Interpersonal Relationships, Trust in Media, and Right-wing Beliefs

Following the resurgence of right-wing beliefs starting in 2008, individual radicalization is reshaping the foundations of democracies. The QAnon movement, January 6th, and recent elections have shown that the way that individuals connect with each other, the media, and experts to make meaning has changed. The internet and free exchange of information (and misinformation) have altered the channels of individual radicalization and are becoming a new frontier for the development of extremist thought. This new wave of extremism warrants concern, especially as it continues to change the course of the United States. Despite this, little research has examined how social relationships and media consumption influence right wing extremism. To examine these issues, I utilize cross-sectional, nationally representative data gathered through the National Opinion Research Center’s Amerispeak panel (Forscher & Kteily, 2017; N=1,283). Participants responded to questions related to their behaviors and their views on politics and the media. Using regression analyses, I examine how interpersonal relationships and trust in various media outlets shape Alt-Right views.