Class
Article
College
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department
Journalism and Communication Department
Faculty Mentor
Briana Bowen
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Public trust in the mainstream news media is at record lows in the U.S. A number of trends — including highly targeted disinformation campaigns, the increased spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories online, and political polarization — have contributed to the disruption of the American information landscape and increased skepticism of the mainstream news media as credible sources for information. As these weaponized narratives continue to alter how Americans gather their information and deteriorate public trust in the established news media, the industry’s struggle to address the evolving threats in cyberspace may further weaken the trust of its audiences and antagonize outsiders of the mainstream dialogue. Bad actors posing a threat to the news media include those who may attempt to target journalists and high-profile outlets with disinformation in order to take advantage of their audience reach and/or undermine journalistic credibility. News media may also become an increased target for cyberattacks attempting to suppress information, harass journalists and sources, or steal user data. These threats are especially concerning given growing anti-media sentiment and distrust among fringe groups pervading mainstream dialogue, as well as the increased accessibility of cyber capabilities to both state and non-state actors. Though alternative platforms for individual newsgathering are growing more competitive, the established press continues to be the dominant gatekeeper and distributor of information. The way in which news outlets build resilience and assert themselves as primary purveyors of truth against weaponized narratives and the actors behind them will shape the industry’s future as a critical element of U.S. society. Presentation Time: Wednesday, 3-4 p.m.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-11-2021 12:00 AM
Included in
Rising U.S. Media Distrust Presents Increased Cyber Threats to Mainstream News Media
Logan, UT
Public trust in the mainstream news media is at record lows in the U.S. A number of trends — including highly targeted disinformation campaigns, the increased spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories online, and political polarization — have contributed to the disruption of the American information landscape and increased skepticism of the mainstream news media as credible sources for information. As these weaponized narratives continue to alter how Americans gather their information and deteriorate public trust in the established news media, the industry’s struggle to address the evolving threats in cyberspace may further weaken the trust of its audiences and antagonize outsiders of the mainstream dialogue. Bad actors posing a threat to the news media include those who may attempt to target journalists and high-profile outlets with disinformation in order to take advantage of their audience reach and/or undermine journalistic credibility. News media may also become an increased target for cyberattacks attempting to suppress information, harass journalists and sources, or steal user data. These threats are especially concerning given growing anti-media sentiment and distrust among fringe groups pervading mainstream dialogue, as well as the increased accessibility of cyber capabilities to both state and non-state actors. Though alternative platforms for individual newsgathering are growing more competitive, the established press continues to be the dominant gatekeeper and distributor of information. The way in which news outlets build resilience and assert themselves as primary purveyors of truth against weaponized narratives and the actors behind them will shape the industry’s future as a critical element of U.S. society. Presentation Time: Wednesday, 3-4 p.m.