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Loneliness and political intolerance: The moderating role of trust in news media

Author

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  • Anondah Saide
  • Kevin J. McCaffree
  • Christopher J. Ferguson
  • Michael Shermer

Abstract

Prior work suggests that loneliness is associated with a threat-sensitive cognitive style and that news media is often threat-focused and politically polarised. With this in mind, the present study develops and tests a model of loneliness, trust in news media and intolerance of political out-groups. We hypothesised that the more subjectively lonely a person is, the more politically intolerant they are, and that this relationship is moderated by trust in news media. To examine this, we conducted an online survey with 1,335 adults from the United States of America. Results suggested that trust in news media moderates the relationship between loneliness and two dimensions of intolerance: (a) intolerance towards out-group political affiliates, and (b) intolerance towards supporters of out-group political candidates. There was a direct effect of loneliness on both dimensions of intolerance; but that effect was stronger the higher the level of reported trust in news media. These findings lend support to a risk model of intolerance, and contributes to our understanding of how exposure to (and trust in) news media may interact with loneliness in ways that radicalise individuals against political out-groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Anondah Saide & Kevin J. McCaffree & Christopher J. Ferguson & Michael Shermer, 2026. "Loneliness and political intolerance: The moderating role of trust in news media," Journal of Trust Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(1), pages 102-119, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jtrust:v:16:y:2026:i:1:p:102-119
    DOI: 10.1080/21515581.2025.2590008
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