Trust in traditional media falls to an all-time low

As the popularity of the internet and social media websites continues to grow, the same cannot be said of traditional media channels. According to research carried out for the World Economic Forum in Davos, the public’s trust in established, traditional media outlets has never been as low as it is now. Canada, Columbia, Ireland and Australia were found to be the countries that have lost the most faith in the status quo and more people in these countries are turning to the internet and other sources for news about the latest issues that affect them.

People Are Looking for Alternative News Sources

Instead of using traditional media sources, more people are turning to other individuals and organizations they trust, who publish and share the latest news online through a wide range of channels, including their websites and social media pages.

More People Than Ever Distrust Their Authorities

Since the 2009 financial crisis, the general public’s trust in the powers-that-be has plummeted. This distrust is evident in the Edelman Index that carried out a survey in 28 countries and found that three-quarters of these countries did not trust established organizations like the media, the government and leading businesses.

The last year, in particular, saw a huge drop in the confidence shown by the public in these organizations. More people than ever are turning to other individuals and businesses to keep up-dated about certain events and activities. This has also seen a rise in the popularity of online masters in public relations courses from universities like Kent State University.

Once any business owner or person who graduates from a course such as an online PR program, they now have the skills and a voice that will be heard by the people who are turning away from the more established sources of online content and news.

Increase in Populism and Nationalism

Huge changes in online communication has made it much easier for online users to voice their opinions and question the content of the news produced by established TV stations, radio stations and newspapers. Richard Edelman, who is a public relations expert and involved in the publishing of the Edelman Trust Barometer each year, states that with technological changes has come an increase in populism and nationalism.

Wealth Inequality is Making Matters Worse

As well as being disillusioned by the traditional media companies, the release of the latest global wealth figures has also angered a large proportion of the general public. It is believed that eight of the richest people in the world have more wealth than half of the world’s population.

Recent Political Developments

According to Richard Edelman, the traditional media outlets are now seen by the public as tools used by the elites and people are voicing their concerns through the ballot box. Huge changes have taken place in the political world, including Brexit in the United Kingdom and the election of Donald Trump as the new president of the United States.

The internet is changing our lives in many dramatic ways. The way we consume information and find out about the latest news and developments that affect us has also changed, as many people move away from the more established media outlets.