COM450 Final Research Paper
Online News Articles and Readership Trust
 

Because of the proliferation of online news articles and the growth of online news readers, people have become distrustful of the information they read online. This can cause people to read fewer articles and miss important news that can benefit them. If the media knew how to improve its content or presentation, it might increase readership attention and gain new reader trust, helping both the reader and the media.

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This study aimed to examine why readers choose the online articles they do (Research Question 1) and what makes them believe the information they read (Research Question 2). Thirty-nine Internet users over the age of eighteen answered a 17-question survey that was divided to focus equally on the element of “selection” (why people select the articles they do) and “credibility” (why they believe what they read).

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Results showed that people are most lured to reading articles of interest to them and articles with an interesting headline or title (RQ1). Most feel an article lacks credibility if it is not from a reputable or known source. Supporting this data, most participants also said that the publisher source or author provokes them to believe the information they read (RQ2).

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The result of this study supports previous studies of similar nature regarding the likes and dislikes of online readers. It also implies that the media can focus on identifying areas of improvement to gain readership interest and credibility. Another possible implication is that readers have become savvy in their discernment when choosing and believing online articles. If the media does not improve their news practices and quality of writing, readership interest and trust may decline.

 

Future research suggests conducting a similar study with an experiential aspect where participants could view actual articles and offer real-time feedback.
 

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Other Notable Items

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COM301 Final Project
My advertisement aims to impress upon females their empowered ability to choose their role models wisely and not to be influenced by the unrealistic portrayals and images of women they see in the media today.  Because of the risqué photos, this ad is better suited for girls ages 12 and up or when they begin to be exposed to heavy mass media and celebrity culture.

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This message is important because it brings to light the juxtaposed differences between how females are being characterized in the media.  Due to the cultivation theory, women are being subconsciously influenced to take on new ideas and beliefs about what it means to be a woman.  This advertisement is important to remind and illustrate by visual contrasting examples that they have a choice in deciding who their role models will be and whom they want to emulate and eventually become.