Faculty Sponsor: Maryam Gooyabadi
Live Poster Session: Zoom Link
Abstract:
Internet use has been found to impact interpersonal trust and trust in government. This study seeks to reinforce this relationship using modern data and extend it beyond prior research. The 2021 General Social Survey (GSS) measured confidence in various major institutions like government, businesses, and academia. Additionally, interpersonal relations were measured through questions like considering others trustworthy or feeling safe in their neighborhood. Regression analysis was conducted on these variables, identifying statistically significant relationships between some of these trust variables and internet use with some demographic variables as well. High internet use was found to be significantly related to confidence in financial institutions, religious organizations, television sources, and the armed forces. A summary statistic was created from these four institutional trust variables with a regression analysis conducted. High internet use was also found to be related with considering others trustworthy or helpful, as well as whether an individual felt safe walking alone at night near their home. These results demonstrate individuals with high internet use exhibited decreased trust of institutions and others. These findings highlight the effects of increasing internet use beyond government institutions and corroborates prior research.
QAC201Poster-1