EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF SINGAPORE’S HYBRID NEWS MEDIA SYSTEM ON GOVERNMENT TRUST AMONG SINGAPOREAN YOUTHS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world and dramatically shifted the media landscape and trust climate. The surge in media consumption and trust in mainstream media amid the unpredictable and turbulent environment has created an intriguing dilemma in today’s post-truth era. Through the lens of the video/media malaise and virtuous circle theories, this study examines the effects of media consumption on government trust in today’s hybrid media system amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A quantitative study (N = 401) was done among Singaporean youths to uncover insights into their news consumption habits and trust attitudes. Findings revealed that Singaporean youths consume more news digitally and are very selective about which platforms to use depending on the news context and situation. The consumption of news on mainstream or social media also does not affect government trust. Instead, this study finds that those who consume more news on social media are less likely to go to mainstream media channels, and vice versa. Another significant finding points to trust in news on social media as a critical factor that moderates the relationship between news consumption on social media and government trust. Theoretical and practical suggestions are also discussed to advance the understanding of the citizen-government-media relationship.