Print Media Credibility vs Digital Media: A Comparative Review of Trustworthiness in the Era of Misinformation (2020–2025)

Abstract

This review looks at how people view the credibility of traditional print media compared to digital-first platforms from 2020 to 2025. It brings together findings from peer-reviewed articles, surveys, and regulatory reports to see how editorial standards, misinformation, algorithms, and audience trust affect credibility. Print media is still seen as reliable, mainly because of its established editorial practices, thorough fact-checking, and accountability systems that have long defined journalistic integrity (Salaudeen & Onyechi, 2020). On the other hand, though widely used, digital platforms often struggle with misinformation and declining trust. Algorithms that aim to boost engagement can spread sensational or misleading content, thereby harming credibility and increasing polarisation (Zhang & Zhang, 2024). Audience trust is key: surveys show that print outlets are generally viewed as more trustworthy, especially by older people. Younger audiences tend to use digital sources more, even though they are often sceptical about their reliability, showing a tension between convenience and credibility. There are also regional differences. In Africa and Asia, print media is still highly trusted because digital access is limited, while in Western countries, people are more sceptical of digital platforms. The review suggests that the future of media credibility may depend on hybrid models that combine strong editorial standards with digital transparency and audience participation. These models could help close the credibility gap by blending the strengths of print with the accessibility and interactivity of digital platforms. A thematic analysis approach was used to categorise findings into credibility determinants: editorial standards, misinformation, algorithmic influence, and audience trust.