THE INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL MEDIA CONTENT ON THE LEVEL OF TRUST IN INFORMATION AMONG GENERATIONS X, Y, AND Z IN WEST JAVA

Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of information trust amid the growing dominance and diversity of digital media content, which potentially affects the quality of public understanding in the context of digital democracy. The research focuses on the influence of digital media 
content characteristics on the level of information trust among Generation X, Y, and Z in West Java. The research questions explore the extent to which perceptions of content types, perceived risks, and media exposure intensity shape public trust. This study employs a quantitative approach using secondary data analysis from a digital media usage survey, supported by 
Media Trust theory and risk perception framework. The findings indicate that high exposure to digital content does not directly correlate with higher levels of trust, as most respondents fall into the categories of moderate trust and skepticism. Content perceived as risky—particularly related to violence, moral violations, and opinion manipulation—tends to reinforce critical attitudes toward information. Additionally, significant generational differences are observed, where Generation Z shows the highest media consumption but the lowest trust level, while Generation X demonstrates a more selective trust pattern based on cross-source comparison. These findings highlight that information trust in the digital era is shaped not merely by access, but by how users critically interpret content.