Trust Issues Arise as Americans Engage with 2024 Election News, Poll Reveals
The 2024 election campaign is already making waves, but a recent poll conducted by the American Press Institute and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has revealed some serious trust issues among Americans when it comes to news coverage of the upcoming election.
According to the poll, about half of Americans are extremely or very concerned about news organizations reporting inaccuracies or misinformation during the election. Additionally, 42% of respondents worry that news outlets will use generative artificial intelligence to create stories. This lack of trust in the media is further exacerbated by concerns about unverified information being reported and accurate information being presented in a biased manner.
Despite the high level of engagement with national news outlets for election news, with half of Americans reporting that they always or frequently get their information from these sources, there is a significant lack of confidence in the information being provided. Only about 1 in 10 respondents say they have a great deal of confidence in the information they receive from national or local news outlets.
Michael Bolden, CEO of the American Press Institute, attributes this lack of trust to years of suspicion about journalists, fueled in part by politicians, as well as a general lack of understanding about how journalism works. He emphasizes the need for news organizations to bridge the growing disconnect between themselves and the communities they serve, by helping people understand the role of journalists and the importance of reliable news sources.
The poll also highlights a generational divide in news consumption, with older adults being more engaged with election news than younger adults. However, younger adults are just as likely to get their election news from social media or friends and family as they are from traditional news outlets, posing a challenge for combating misinformation.
Overall, the poll underscores the importance of trustworthy and reliable news coverage in shaping public opinion and informing voters. As the 2024 election campaign heats up, it is crucial for news organizations to address these trust issues and work towards rebuilding confidence in the media.