Some possible explanations:
- Increased use of the term “fake news” by politicians
- Politicians’ anti-press rhetoric
- Weakening of centrist political parties
- Diminished faith in institutions
- The common perception that journalists have too much power that can easily be abused for personal gain
- Belief that journalists are helplessly biased and their reports are tainted by their personal political views


Syracuse University

The results of the interviews found that people, despite political affiliation, consumed the same general media sources (Fox News, CNN, and CBS). However, regardless of whether the sources aligned with their views, a majority of individuals claimed to have low trust in the media and said that they like to fact-check their news personally or with the assistance of a friend or loved one. Through further questioning, interviewers found that the actual fact-checking processes were what were polarizing peoples opinions and leading individuals to draw such drastically different conclusions from the same news outlets. Overall, participants often overestimated their fact-checking abilities and continued to distrust the media regardless of its true quality or reliability.

Study Findings for Self-Perception’s Effect on People’s Approach to News

Nelson, J. L., &amp; Lewis, S. C. (2021). Only “sheep” trust journalists? How citizens’ self-perceptions shape their approach to news. New Media &amp; Society, 146144482110181. https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448211018160 

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