Fake News? Implications of Blind and Constructive Patriotism on Perceptions of News Media

• In Event: Media Scholars' Consideration of Fake News

Abstract

The current study examines how one’s national identity in regards to blind patriotism and constructive patriotism influences perceptions of domestic and international news media in terms of its news credibility, political partisanship, and promotion of U.S. patriotism. This study furthers social identity and national identity theories by presenting evidence that members of the same larger in-group can identify with smaller in-groups simultaneously, which will subsequently affect their perceptions and evaluations of news media. On a managerial front, this study aims to recognize how psychographics beyond political ideology impact perceived credibility of and notions of communicated patriotism. Understanding audiences beyond simple demographics may help news outlets develop communication strategies addressing perceived bias, thereby positively influencing consumer perceptions.

Authors

• Michael Devlin, Texas State University

• Vanessa de Macedo Higgins Joyce