What makes people desire strong institutions, strict social norms, and a more restrictive society? A study asked people two sets of questions — the first set to determine each person’s sense of personal control, and the second to identify their preferred type of society. The study found a strong correlation between a poor sense of personal control and a desire for stronger social control. Read full article here
Research
Improving media literacy could boost trust towards the news, IMPRESS report suggests
The UK media is regulated by the likes of IPSO and Ofcom. The report by press regulator IMPRESS highlights the link between low levels of media literacy and trust in the news. The study found that three quarters of those who did not know if journalists were regulated did not trust the news. It suggests that improving media literacy is one way to stem the erosion of trust, and shows that audiences have an appetite for information on news processes. Stakeholders need to collaborate in order to rebuild trust in the news, and independent media is well placed to do this. Read full article here