“At least it will be 24 hours without fake news”: A thematic analysis of online comments on newsroom strikes

This study uses social identity theory to analyze social media users’ conceptions of in-groups and out-groups through their perception of journalistic labor. Using reflexive thematic analysis of online comments on recent legacy newsroom labor strikes posted on social media, this study analyzes social media users engaged with journalistic labor, how they construct their own social identity and articulations of news (mis)trust through social media interactions. The findings suggest hostility toward mainstream journalism; delegitimization of journalistic labor and collective action; and expressions of solidarity and support. This suggests that user perceptions of journalistic labor act as a strong organizing principle, where solidarity with journalists positions them as part of an in-group, and delegitimization of labor categorizes them as part of an out-group.