Digital media vs mainstream media: Exploring the influences of media exposure and information preference as correlates of media credibility

Figures & data

Table 1. Frequency of respondents’ usage of mainstream and digital media

	Respondents’ Media Usage (%)
Per Week	Mainstream Media	Digital Media
Everyday	36.7 %	41.7 %
5–6 days a week	10.4%	11.2 %
3–4 days a week	17.1%	22.5 %
1–2 days a week	35.8 %	24.6%

Table 2. Information preference of respondents on mainstream and digital media

	Information Preference (%)
Information Type	Mainstream Media	Digital Media
News	55.4%	17.5%
Education	5.8%	5.4%
Economy	3.8%	2%
Politics	9.6%	3.3%
Science	4.2%	2%
Health	1.3%	1.6%
Religion	1.3%	0.8%
Sports	4.6%	7.1%
Entertainment	14.2%	60%

Figure 1. Showing respondents’ rating of mainstream media and digital media credibility

Figure 2. Graphical representation of the relationship between media exposure, information preference and perceived media credibility

Note: Numbers show statistical relationship where p <.05

Table 3. Means of credibility factors and credibility index overall (n = 240)

	Information on MM		Information on DM
Credibility Factors	Mean	SD	Mean	SD
Accurate	2.87	1.27	1.65	.78
Factual	2.47	1.08	2.12	.821
Objective	2.54	1.06	2.41	1.05
Unbiased	2.64	1.20	2.75	1.20
Trustworthy	2.73	1.19	1.20	.71
Reliable	2.65	1.21	2.41	1.07
Authentic	2.85	1.08	1.32	.73
Comprehensive	2.57	.94	2.40	1.03
Current	2.40	.83	2.60	1.08
Free of Control	1.76	.85	2.80	1.28