The Comparison Between Print Media, Social Media, and Gender in Developing Social Trust

Social trust is a crucial aspect of human relationships, underpinning participation and cooperation among community members. It accelerates involvement in economic, social, political, and cultural fields and enhances interactions across diverse groups within society. In the absence of trust, democratic systems, social stability, balance, and solidarity are unlikely to flourish. Media plays a significant role in developing social trust, either enhancing or eroding it by presenting favorable or unfavorable images. This study compares print and social media and their relationships with social trust levels. The survey, conducted among Tehrani respondents aged 18 to 60, used a sample of 356 based on the Cochran formula. Random sampling was validated by authorities, with reliability estimated at 0.74% using Cronbach’s alpha. Results indicate a direct relationship between social trust levels and print media usage, while social media exhibits an inverse relationship. Trust levels among males using print media are higher than those of females, whereas the opposite is true for social media. To enhance social trust, media should address public interests, needs, and tendencies. Analyzing social media content in relation to governmental approaches to public areas is essential for increasing social trust.