Comparatively less attention is paid by previous studies to how the sense of social equity affects the use of media and the trust in police. Based on the data from CGSS (China General Social Survey) in 2017

this study explores the intermediary mechanism of how the use of media affects the trust in police from the perspective of the sense of social equity

and provides new inspirations for explaining the cultural paths of trust in police. The study finds that new media reduce the sense of social equity

which further reduces residents’ trust in police. Results of the checking of interactive variables show that residents with high sense of equity use traditional media to promote trust in police

whereas residents with low sense of equity use traditional media to suppress trust in police. In China’s transition period

facing the Age of Internet

we should strengthen the control of negative public opinions concerning the police in new media

give full play to the communication advantages of mainstream channels in traditional media

focus on the orientation for values of fairness and justice in procedures

distribution and protection of people’s rights in the report of police work and the security service of citizens

build a media environment conducive to the enhancement of individual sense of social equity

promote residents’ trust in police and maintain the harmonious relationship between citizens and the police.