Credibility refers to the quality or power of inspiring belief, trust, or confidence in a source, message, or individual. It comprises both objective and subjective components, encompassing the believability and trustworthiness of the information or person in question. In the context of journalism, credibility is considered essential to professional integrity, with honesty being the cornerstone of a journalists credibility. The Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics emphasizes the importance of clarity, accuracy, and trustworthiness in maintaining credibility. In academia, scientific credibility is defined as the extent to which science is recognized as a source of reliable information about the world, encompassing adherence to scientific principles and the scientific method. On the web, credibility is often associated with trustworthiness and perceived goodness or morality of the source. Overall, credibility is crucial for establishing trust and confidence in information, sources, and individuals.
In summary, credibility is the quality or power of inspiring belief, trust, or confidence in a source, message, or individual. It encompasses both objective and subjective components and is essential for establishing trust and confidence in information, sources, and individuals.