Impact of Misinformation and Satisfaction on Trust in Information from Social Media Platforms

Author: Sunghyun Chung, Adam E. Barry
Affiliation: Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University

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Abstract:

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The proliferation of social media platforms has revolutionized information dissemination and consumption, with platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube becoming primary sources of information globally. However, the credibility and trustworthiness of information on these platforms have become subjects of concern and debate. This study investigated the impact of misinformation perceptions and user satisfaction on trust in information provided by social media platforms among U.S. adults. Using a subset of 1,258 participants from the Pew Research Center's American Trends Panel (ATP) who provided complete responses, we examined whether support for restricting false information online and satisfaction with social media experiences influenced trust in social media information, controlling for demographic factors. The study addresses a critical gap in understanding how misinformation and user satisfaction interact to influence trust in social media information.

Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that views on misinformation restriction (p < .0001), satisfaction with social media (p < .0001), and education level (p = .045) were significantly associated with trust in information from social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. Specifically, greater support for restricting misinformation and higher satisfaction with social media experiences were associated with increased trust in social media information. Our findings highlight the complex interplay between perceptions of misinformation, user satisfaction, and trust in the digital information ecosystem. These results underscore the need for strategies to mitigate misinformation, enhance user satisfaction, and foster trust in shared information on social media platforms.
 

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Keywords: Social Media Misinformation, Satisfaction, Trust in Information, Social Media

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ISSN 3069-8200