Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Spring 5-6-2026

Faculty Advisor(s)

Ann Gordon

Abstract

Online and social media sources have made political news more accessible and digestible than ever before. While beneficial, it raises questions regarding the truth and quality of political news being spread and the effects it may be having on the public. In this paper, I seek to expand on existing research regarding political corruption and online media sources. Previous research has highlighted the rise of disinformation in online news sources, noting that social media reporting does not necessarily hold government officials accountable. Using the Chapman University Survey of American Fears Wave 10 (2024), the relationship between fears of political corruption and the intake of political content will be analyzed to examine the extent to which exposure to news online and via social media contributes to the erosion of trust in the American political system. Upon conducting research, it became clear that regardless of where people primarily consume news media, they are all likely to perceive corruption amongst government officials. Where people perceive the most corruption within the political system differs significantly, however. It is now more important than ever to question whether the media is acting as a check on corruption or, in fact, decaying public confidence in government and exacerbating polarization by functioning in a partisan manner. By analyzing the relationship between fears of corruption and news intake, the steps needed to ensure democracy's survival become clearer.

Comments

Presented at the Spring 2026 Student Scholar Symposium at Chapman University.

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