Picture This: How Image Filters Affect Trust in Online News

Abstract

Users of social media platforms face concerns about the accuracy and reliability of information shared on it. This includes images being shared online, which are often linked to news events. This study investigates what effects Instagram filters
have on users’ perceived trust of online news posts that include images. Trust ratings of four different articles across four image filter conditions were obtained in an online user study (N=204). We also inquired on a user's general trust and familiarity with the news topic Also, the role of general trust and familiarity with the topic. Our analysis revealed that while Instagram filters overall may not affect perceived trust, specific visual characteristics of the filters such as brightness and
contrast affected trust levels. Additionally, individual differences in general trust and attitude towards a specific topic may influence the users’ perception of trust.