Impact of Internet News Information Exposure on Government Trust among College Students in China: Mediating Role of Online Political Efficacy and Moderating Role of Gender

This study aimed to explore the impact of college students’ exposure to internet news on government trust, as well as the mechanisms of online political efficacy and gender in this relationship. A total of 1623 Chinese college students were assessed on their exposure to internet news, government trust, and online political efficacy, using validated scales. We found significant positive correlations between exposure to internet news, online political efficacy, and government trust. Moreover, online political efficacy partially mediated the relationship between exposure to internet news and government trust, with the latter half of this mediation effect being moderated by gender. This study reveals the specific mechanisms through which exposure to internet news influences college students’ government trust, which not only enhances our understanding of contemporary college students’ political psychology, but also provides a scientific basis for conducting online political education in higher education institutions.