“Misinformed” anxiety in the newsroom? The impact of presumed influence of misinformation, perception of journalism, and mental resilience

This study explored the psychological mechanism of how journalists, as a critical interest group responsible for disseminating accurate information to the public, affectively respond to misinformation. Building on the influence of presumed media influence (IPMI) theory, this survey of Chinese journalists (N = 574) reveals that journalists’ presumed influence of misinformation on others is positively associated with their perception of journalism’s normative role, mental resilience towards misinformation, and work anxiety. Journalists’ mental resilience towards misinformation is the dynamic attenuating their anxiety. The study suggests that the perceived social impact of journalists’ own work on the public negatively moderates the relationship between the presumed influence of misinformation and the perceived functions of journalism, as well as the relationship between the presumed influence of misinformation and work anxiety. This study thus contends that journalists’ confidence in the efficacy of journalism as an institution and in their own professional endeavors can enhance their well-being and their tenets to serve the public.