Majority of Americans ‘Extremely’ or ‘Very’ Concerned Media Will Spew Election ‘Misinformation,’ New Poll Finds

(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

A majority of voters are “extremely” or “very” concerned about the media pushing misinformation around the upcoming presidential election, a new poll found.

Data from the American Press Institute and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found there are major trust issues between the American public and the media — on multiple fronts.

The survey found 53% of Americans are “extremely” or “very” concerned about media outlets spreading “inaccurate information” or “disinformation.” Another 30% said they are somewhat concerned, 16% said they are not very or not at all concerned.

There is also concern about media reporting “unverified” information around the election as 47% said they are “extremely” or “very” concerned about this. Less than 20% said they are not concerned with unconfirmed information being reported.

Nearly 50% of Americans who took part in the survey accused the media of focusing too much on “divisions or controversies,” and 44% said they believe they are very concerned about media only reporting facts and stories that favors one political side.

The poll also found some concern over the integration of A.I. into news outlets with 42% saying they are very concerned about A.I. being used to “create” stories. Another 30% said they are somewhat concerned, while 26% are unconcerned.

According to the data, half of Americans still rely on national news outlets for election coverage. Another 39% said they rely on more local media outlets. Only 14% of voters expressed a “great deal of trust” in national media, and 11% said the same about local media.

The national poll was conducted by the Media Insight Project from March 21-25 among nearly 2,500 adults through landline and cell phone calls. It carries a margin of error of 2.9%