Trust in media and processing of health information during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Based on a nationwide survey of 938 American adults in 2020, this study analyzed systematic and heuristic information processing related to Covid-19. Results showed mainstream media use correlated with systematic processing, while partisan and social media use correlated with heuristic processing. Trust in mainstream media predicted systematic processing, whereas trust in partisan and social media predicted heuristic processing. Perceived importance of health issues was positively associated with systematic processing and negatively with heuristic processing. Perceived ability to find relevant health news positively predicted systematic processing. The findings underscore the complex interplay among media trust, media use, and individual perceptions in information processing during public health crises.