This study investigates the effects of different media channels on social trust in its various forms in South Korea. Although mass media are the most important and popular means of communication and social networking, previous social trust literature ...
This study investigates the effects of different media channels on social trust in its various forms in South Korea. Although mass media are the most important and popular means of communication and social networking, previous social trust literature has paid relatively little attention to it. Utilizing the World Values Survey data (Wave 7, 2017-2022), this research finds that the use of new media extends the radius of social relations, enhancing binding or out-group trust, while traditional media restricts trust to a smaller set of social groups. The results indicate that digital media does not simply replicate the patterns of traditional media and offline social interactions, but instead offers individuals alternative avenues for engaging with one another. This study also demonstrates that the notion of generalized trust is highly contextual as the term “most people” used in the common measure of generalized trust refers to a significantly narrow range of people in Korea.