Chinese college students' perceptions of media credibility and free speech in the Internet age.

摘要

This study explores Chinese college students' perceptions of media credibility and free speech in the Internet age. The study asks: (1) If the Internet brings more free speech to Chinese college students? (2) If Chinese college students think the Internet is more credible than traditional media? (3) Whether increasing usage of Internet leads to a decrease in use of traditional media?;The study found that Chinese students respect the Internet is perceived to contribute to free speech. However, Chinese college students still think the traditional media (especially newspaper and television) are more credible than the Internet and increasing the Internet's usage did not lead to a decrease in the use of traditional media. Further, Chinese college students think the government's censorship grants media's credibility. This significant finding can profoundly offer more understanding to the reality of Chinese media.