A new poll by UAB researchers shows the public believes television and newspapers are more credible as sources of news and information than the Internet. Only 42 percent of the 226 adults polled in the Birmingham area gave the Internet "good" or "excellent" ratings for accuracy. Television news and newspapers received "good" or "excellent" ratings of 56 percent and 53 percent respectively. But 64 percent of young adults ages 18-34 gave the Internet high ratings for accuracy.
"I almost expected the opposite, says communications expert Jonathan Amsbary, Ph.D., "since younger people are more familiar with the Internet and understand its flaws. But the younger people appear less suspicious of the Internet than older adults."
Amsbary says the survey is representative of the U.S. population.
Contact Gail Short, Media Relations, 205-934-8931 or [email protected].
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