Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

10-2025

Abstract

What is the relationship between social media use and trust in civil society and governance institutions? In many parts of Asia, trust in government remains high despite limited political accountability and civil liberties. This study examines whether online political expression reshapes institutional trust in governance institutions and civil society organizations. The analysis considers the dual role of social media as a site for civic engagement and a channel for disaffection with formal authority. Using data from the Asian Barometer, the findings show that political expression on social media is associated with lower trust in governance institutions and higher trust in nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), a fundamental part of civil society. These effects vary across regimes and survey waves. The results suggest that online expression may erode legitimacy of formal authority while enhancing trust in civil society, thus shaping the political role of NGOs and social media platforms in restrictive political settings.

Keywords

civil society, institutional trust, NGOs, Southeast Asia, social media, trust, government, legitimacy

Discipline

Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Social Media

Research Areas

Political Science

Areas of Excellence

Digital transformation

Publication

Journal of Public Policy

Volume

45

First Page

737

Last Page

760

ISSN

0143-814X

Identifier

10.1017/S0143814X25100834

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1017/S0143814X25100834

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