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Evaluation of the Factors That Impact the Perception of Online Content Trustworthiness by Income, Political Affiliation and Online Usage Time

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Listed:
  • Matthew Spradling

    (College of Innovation and Technology, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI 48502, USA)

  • Jeremy Straub

    (Department of Computer Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA)

Abstract

Intentionally deceptive online content represents a significant issue for society. Multiple techniques have been proposed to identify and combat its spread. To understand how to inform individuals most effectively about the potential biases of and other issues with content, this article studies factors that impact the perception of online content. Specifically, it looks at how these factors have similar or different impact depending on the income level, political affiliation and online usage time of Americans. A national survey was conducted that asked respondents about multiple factors that influence their and others’ perception of online content trustworthiness. It also asked what the ideal impact of these factors should be. This data is presented and analyzed herein, conclusions are drawn and their implications, with regard to preventing the spread of deceptive online content, are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Spradling & Jeremy Straub, 2022. "Evaluation of the Factors That Impact the Perception of Online Content Trustworthiness by Income, Political Affiliation and Online Usage Time," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-55, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jftint:v:14:y:2022:i:11:p:320-:d:962772
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hunt Allcott & Matthew Gentzkow, 2017. "Social Media and Fake News in the 2016 Election," NBER Working Papers 23089, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Alexandre Bovet & Hernán A. Makse, 2019. "Influence of fake news in Twitter during the 2016 US presidential election," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Jeremy Straub & Matthew Spradling & Bob Fedor, 2022. "Assessment of Factors Impacting the Perception of Online Content Trustworthiness by Age, Education and Gender," Societies, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-66, March.
    4. Jonathan Albright, 2017. "Welcome to the Era of Fake News," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 5(2), pages 87-89.
    5. Hunt Allcott & Matthew Gentzkow, 2017. "Social Media and Fake News in the 2016 Election," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 31(2), pages 211-236, Spring.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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