Determining Trust in Information: Initial Literature Review

ABSTRACT Pew Research Center's findings reveal a notable trend: U.S. adults under the age of thirty exhibit a level of trust in information on social media that is comparable to their trust in traditional news outlets (Liedke & Gottfriend, 2022). This is particularly significant given the growing concern over misinformation, with a staggering 95% of Americans acknowledging its prevalence in society (Seitz & Fingerhut, 2021). To explore the factors influencing individuals' trust in information, researchers conducted a preliminary review of the literature, focusing on information science. This preliminary review identified seven major themes (health, politics & business, information sources, social factors, age groups, education & language, and privacy & security) that will guide a more extensive systematic review in the future. These themes provide valuable insights into the complexities of trust in information and should serve as a foundation for further investigation. Insights derived from this preliminary review are invaluable for scholars and practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of information trust dynamics. By illuminating these complex factors, this research lays the groundwork for future studies and interventions aimed at enhancing information trust among the general public.