Distrust and attacks on journalists on the rise

“We are seeing a trend where journalists are increasingly becoming the target of populist politicians. This has serious impact on the status of journalists and on democratic debate in general, particularly in light of journalism’s key role in holding governments accountable,” says Maximilian Conrad, professor at the University of Iceland’s Faculty of Political Science.

The preliminary results of a new study at the University of Iceland show that journalists today live under increasing pressure. The reasons are rooted in the interplay of populism, social media and a changing attitude towards people in the media. Maximilian’s study examines how mass media, as a pillar of democracy, tackle increased violence and distrust in modern society. 

Emotions and personal opinions over facts and truth

Maximilian’s study has focused on the so-called post-truth condition of journalism and democracy. In this condition, emotions and personal opinions are a driving force rather than facts and truth.

“This is particularly prominent in political discourse among populist leaders, who use social media to establish an emotional bond with their voters, even when their rhetoric is not based on the truth,” explains Maximilian.

Sensed a change after Trump’s former presidency

The idea for this research was born when discussions on fake news and attacks on the media became more prominent in political discourse. He specifically mentions that this increased in the wake of Donald Trump’s first presidency. “I wanted to study the consequences of this on journalists’ work and democratic debate.”

Journalists observe an increase in attacks

The preliminary findings from the research indicate that journalists in different countries experience similar challenges. Journalists in Canada and Germany say they experienced increased attacks on social media and in the real world. Results show that the groups most affected by the harassment are female and foreign journalists.  

“Even though the Icelandic study is still in its early stages, there are indications that distrust and attacks on the media are also present here, especially when covering controversial issues," says Maximilian.

Shows the importance of the media as a critical force 

The value of Maximilian’s study is twofold. The scientific value includes analysis of concepts like the post-truth condition and the impact of distrust on democratic discourse. The study's societal impact lies in ensuring the importance of the media as a critical force in democratic countries.
“Should this development continue, we could face the danger that the general public will no longer be able to tell fact from fiction,” warns Maximilian.

Maximilian Conrad is a professor at the University of Iceland's Faculty of Political Science and specialises in research on democracy, mass media, and current political discourse. His study aims to better understand how the media can continue to guard democracy in a fast-changing society. 

Author of the article: Ásrún Aldís Hreinsdóttir, BA in journalism.