Erosion Of Trust Research Articles

In recent years, science and scientists have come under increasing scrutiny, with a growing wave of scepticism and delegitimization undermining not only scientific results but also the very foundations of scientific inquiry. This erosion of trust is particularly acute in the social sciences and humanities, disciplines that are crucial for understanding and navigating the complexities of modern society. The marginalization of these fields is not merely an academic concern – it poses a threat to informed public discourse, democratic governance, and the collective ability to respond to global challenges, namely – our societal resilience. Broadly speaking, schools and teachers are one of the most crucial players in developing trust and interest in science, understanding of science, and habits of consuming scientific content. How teachers teach about science, depends on their own science-related values, beliefs and knowledge. Hence, the aim of the study is to examine secondary school teachers’ scientific literacy, their perceptions of scientific value of different school subjects, and practices of developing science literacy of students. We look at these aspects in the context of the development of scientific school culture. As the theoretical framework of the study we employ the Social domain theory of Derek Layder and several models of scientific literacy. We pay particular attention to the Layder’s domain of psycho-biography in relation to domains of social setting and contextual resources that shape teachers views and attitudes towards science, including the scientific value of various school subjects. Our empirical analysis is based on 47 semi-structured interviews with different subject teachers and a survey of teachers (N=579), where we examined the following: 1) perceived scientific value of school subjects; 2) scientific literacy of teachers; 3) attitudes towards pseudoscience. The study was carried out as part of the research project funded by the Latvian Council of Sciences (title of the project "Scientific school culture for sustainable society”; project No. lzp-2021/1-0135).

Women's experiences of declining recommended or routine maternity care: A systematic review.

ABSTRACT Despite the growing influence of travel social media influencers in shaping tourist behaviour, concerns about trust and authenticity have become increasingly prominent. This qualitative study explores how Vietnamese tourists perceive the credibility of travel social media influencers and how their content influences travel expectations and experiences. Drawing on trust theory and expectation-disconfirmation theory, the study analyzes in-depth interviews with 30 participants who engaged with influencer content during recent trips. Thematic analysis revealed four key factors contributing to the erosion of trust: misleading representations, expectation-reality gaps, overtourism and commercialization, and discrepancies in service quality. Participants reported feeling misled by overly curated content, undisclosed sponsorships, and inflated portrayals of destinations. These findings highlight a growing demand for transparency and authenticity in influencer marketing. The study offers practical insights for influencers, marketers, and tourism stakeholders seeking to rebuild trust and promote more realistic and sustainable travel narratives.

This JAMA Forum discusses measures the Trump administration has taken against the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that include budget cuts and program eliminations, workforce reductions and hiring freezes, and suppression of scientific information.

Abstract: This paper analyses the growing issue of online defamation targeting reputable public figures, an unintended consequence of expanded digital communication. The study situates a real-life case study, which incorporates a social media experiment involving an Instagram chat, within Jean Baudrillard's theoretical framework of hyperreality in media. Specifically, it investigates how techniques like impersonation, misrepresentation, and the fabrication of interactions are used to engineer misleading narratives within social media environments. The research illustrates that these falsified identities dismantle trust and reputation by creating a simulation that is indistinguishable from reality. The findings underscore the measurable psychological, social, and professional impacts of these defamatory practices, leading to a call for improved ethical standards, public awareness, and more robust regulatory mechanisms governing digital communication.

Abstract This round table is co-organized by EUPHA-HL, EUPHA-CAPH, EUPHA-PHMR, and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Health Literacy. The event will share unique insights into novel evidence from international studies and young people's information ecosystems, how health mis- and disinformation are detrimental, and what public health and societies can do about it. Young people are growing up in digital environments where social media and online platforms are primary sources of health information, but also major channels for the rapid spread of disinformation. Evidence shows that 58% of young adults regret a health decision made based on misinformation, despite 72% expressing confidence in their ability to distinguish truth from falsehoods. While young people in Europe are ill-equipped with health literacy, this gap highlights the complex interplay between empowerment and vulnerability, as adolescents are both creators and consumers in participatory online spaces where peer influence and emotional content can override accuracy. Exposure to false health information is linked to poorer health choices, increased anxiety, and the erosion of trust in health institutions - a menacing phenomenon going on globally. Schools and education systems are vital in addressing these challenges. Integrating health literacy and critical thinking into curricula empowers students to navigate complex information environments and resist misinformation. However, many teachers lack the training and resources needed to effectively address these issues, and disparities in access to quality media literacy education persist. To promote health literacy, public health practitioners, educators, and teachers must receive targeted training in media and health literacy, as well as ongoing support to model trustworthiness and foster open dialogue. As young people face increasing pressures and uncertainties in a rapidly evolving information landscape, urgent action is needed to strengthen support systems, improve access to trustworthy health information, and build the capacity of schools and educators to empower the next generation to navigate digital health ecosystems safely and confidently. After a short introduction by the chairs, the panel members will share a short 2-to-3-minute statement from their point of view on the matter of information ecosystems and health disinformation. Following, the chairs will prepare individual questions for each panellist and engage them in a discussion, which shortly after will open towards the audience for them to participate actively with the panellists in a 30-minute discussion, also using the online Slido platform. Key messages • Gain exclusive insights into how health misinformation impacts young people and learn proven strategies to boost digital health literacy and resilience. • Connect with experts and peers to discover actionable solutions for empowering youth to navigate online health information safely and confidently. Speakers/Presenters Götz Gottschalk YouTube (Google) Germany, Berlin, Germany Kevin Dadaczynski University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany Rafaela Rosário University of Minho, Braga, Portugal Tina Purnat Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA

Abstract The digital era has transformed public health communication into a high-stakes balancing act. As misinformation and disinformation proliferate, health authorities face unprecedented challenges in maintaining public trust while adapting to the dynamic nature of scientific evidence. This plenary will explore how the public health community can uphold scientific integrity, communicate uncertainty with humility, and counter harmful narratives-without compromising the boldness required to drive meaningful action. The dual crisis erosion of trust and ideological polarization Public health institutions are navigating a landscape where facts increasingly compete with ideology. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the vulnerabilities and exposed the fragility of health communication systems: rapidly evolving guidelines, shifting recommendations, conflicting expert opinions, and politicized debates eroded public confidence and contributed to public skepticism. Today, misinformation thrives not only on social media but also through targeted disinformation campaigns that exploit emotional narratives and systemic inequities. Vulnerable populations-those with limited health literacy or preexisting distrust in institutions-are disproportionately affected, exacerbating disparities. Science, uncertainty, and controversy Scientific inquiry is inherently dynamic and iterative, yet this process often clashes with public expectations for definitive answers, meaning that its provisional nature can be at odds with public expectations for certainty. Two forms of controversy demand attention: 1. Divergent perspectives among researchers: Differences in methodologies, theoretical frameworks, or interpretations of data can lead to legitimate disagreements. For example, debates over screening guidelines or treatment protocols often reflect trade-offs between individual and population-level outcomes. 2. Evolving evidence: New discoveries can upend previous consensus, as seen with shifting understandings of COVID-19 transmission or vaccine efficacy. While this flexibility is a strength of science, it risks being mischaracterized as incompetence or dishonesty. These controversies underscore the need for transparency. Acknowledging uncertainty, while explaining how evidence is weighed, can mitigate perceptions of inconsistency. Openly discussing the process by which evidence is generated, evaluated, and sometimes revised can help demystify science and reduce perceptions of arbitrariness. Strategies for humble and bold communication Effective public health communication in this climate requires both humility and resolve: 1. Normalize uncertainty: Frame uncertainty as inherent to scientific progress. For instance, instead of dismissing past guidelines, clarify how new data refined recommendations. 2. Anticipate, address, and prebunk misinformation: Proactively address common myths by equipping audiences with critical thinking tools, improving systems with an emphasis on preemptive messaging to reduce susceptibility to false claims. 3. Leverage trusted messengers: Collaborate with community leaders, healthcare providers, and influencers who resonate with specific demographics. Trust is built through cultural relevance and consistency. 4. Prioritize clarity, accessibility, and nuance: Use straightforward, plain language and clear explanations to convey complex information without oversimplifying and to explain risk-benefit analyses and evidence hierarchies. Avoid absolutist language that may later require retraction. A call to action for EUPHA and beyond This plenary marks the launch of EUPHA’s long-term initiative and sustained commitment to strengthen public health communication ecosystems. Panelists will be invited to: 1. Share practical experiences in managing scientific controversies and public scepticism. 2. Share case studies on navigating controversies (e.g., vaccine hesitancy, climate health policies). 3. Explore innovative tools for monitoring and countering misinformation, such as AI-driven misinformation monitoring or participatory community dialogues. 4. Reflect on personal experiences where humility in communication preserved trust during crises, particularly in moments of uncertainty or evolving evidence. The session will prioritize interactive dialogue, recognizing that solutions must be co-created with diverse stakeholders. Post-conference, EUPHA will establish working groups to develop practical, actionable frameworks for addressing misinformation, training health professionals in risk communication, and advocating for evidence-informed policy. Moderators Charlotte Marchandise Executive Director EUPHA Orkan Okan President EUPHA Health literacy section Speakers/Panellists Götz Gottschalk Head of Health, YouTube (Google), Germany Seema Yasmin Emmy Award-winning journalist, Clinical Assistant Professor, Medicine, Stanford University, USA Sanna Vesikansa Director, Crisis Services MIELI Mental Health, Finland

This paper explores the evolving influence of modern technology on interpersonal relationships across social, romantic, familial, and workplace contexts. Drawing from historical patterns of communication, it illustrates how technologies like social media, mobile phones, online communities, and digital platforms have redefined human interaction. While technology facilitates connectivity, emotional expression, and relationship maintenance, it simultaneously fosters emotional distance, miscommunication, and erosion of trust. The research examines how generational preferences, communication cues, anonymity, and media saturation impact relationship quality. Additionally, it assesses the effects of digital engagement on identity, intimacy, and emotional well-being. The findings suggest that the impact of technology on relationships is not inherently positive or negative but is shaped by user behavior, platform design, and social context. Emphasis is placed on the need for mindful and moderated technology use to cultivate healthy and resilient human connections in the digital era. Keywords: Technology and relationships, digital communication, social media impact, interpersonal dynamics, romantic relationships, family communication, generational differences.

Traditional female genital practices, though long-standing in many cultures, have become the focus of an expansive global campaign against 'female genital mutilation' (FGM). In this article, we critically examine the harms produced by the anti-FGM discourse and policies, despite their grounding in human rights and health advocacy. We argue that a ubiquitous 'standard tale' obscures the diversity of practices, meanings and experiences among those affected. This discourse, driven by a heavily racialised and ethnocentric framework, has led to unintended but serious consequences: the erosion of trust in healthcare settings, the silencing of dissenting or nuanced community voices, racial profiling and disproportionate legal surveillance of migrant families. Moreover, we highlight a troubling double standard that legitimises comparable genital surgeries in Western contexts while condemning similar procedures in others. We call for more balanced and evidence-based journalism, policy and public discourse-ones that account for cultural complexity and avoid the reductive and stigmatising force of the term 'mutilation'. A re-evaluation of advocacy strategies is needed to ensure that they do not reproduce the very injustices they aim to challenge.

This article aims to re-examine the role and power structure of the judiciary in the context of globalization and the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI). Its primary objective is to clarify the functional transformations, legitimacy, and critical capacity of the judiciary—particularly judges—when confronted with data-driven power, the technocratization of justice, and the erosion of trust in the rule of law. Research methodology is based on humanistic philosophy and critical social theory. It uses an interdisciplinary approach that is connected to legal studies, political science, the sociology of law, and the philosophy of technology. The article, similarly, uses dialectics in a way that inverts and transposes the pairs: rule of law and technocracy, freedom and control, principles and rules, and legality and morality. The upshot is that the judiciary has moved from being a law-interpreting institution to a political and moral actor. It became a new centre of power in fragile representative institutions. Judges are increasingly acting as moral and social agents, moving beyond the purely neutral role of legal experts enforcing the law within the framework of a stable professional life with a stable income. However, it is also clear that its success can change the character of the judicial function in a way which may weaken democratic representation and allow for an unbounded extension of the scope of judicial action, if the fact that judicial action has a second face – the face of law enforcement – is not fully taken into account. The article emphasizes the need for restructuring the judiciary as an open, dialogical institution—closely linked to social life and subject to institutional and moral oversight—to ensure the safeguarding of justice, democracy, and humanity in the emerging global order.

Aim. To reveal the ideological nature of digital decentralization as a systemic challenge to traditional state sovereignty and to identify risks for modern states amid technological transformation.Methodology. The core of the study comprises an analysis of key digital decentralization ideologies (crypto-anarchism, cyber-syndicalism, cypherpunk), their technological foundations, and implementation practices. A comparative analysis of foundational manifestos by crypto-anarchists and cypherpunks (T. May, E. Hughes) was conducted, and the evolution of decentralized movements was synthesized.Results. The analysis demonstrated that the synergy of technologies and extra-systemic ideologies creates parallel governance systems undermining the state’s monopoly on regulating finance, information, law, and the exercise of power. Threats to modern states include: erosion of trust in institutions, use of decentralized digital resources for protest mobilization, sanctions evasion via cryptocurrencies, and increased citizen registrations in virtual jurisdictions operating beyond national law.Research implications. Proposals for state adaptation are formulated: shifting from technology bans to dialogue with IT communities and developing preventive measures. The author introduces an original interpretation of digital decentralization as “engineering autocracy”, where algorithmic power replaces political-legal mechanisms. The study reframes issues of state sovereignty in the context of competition with decentralized anti-systems.

In Transplant We Trust? Perspectives on the Erosion of Trust in the United States Transplant System.

To investigate factors that contribute to trust in dentists among patients with socioeconomic barriers and explore how these factors influence patient decisions to undergo dental treatment. Patients at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry, participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews, answering open-ended questions about circumstances that led to the development and erosion of trust. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded. Thematic analysis was used to organize data from transcripts and develop themes. Interviews were conducted with 25 patients (18 females, 7 males; age range 22-68 years). Four themes were developed: (1) Patients' perception of dentists' technical skills and reputation was important to building trust. Dentists perceived by patients to provide high-quality work, minimize pain, use current technology, and have positive endorsements led to trust. (2) Patients' perception of dentists' communication skills and empathy was important to building trust. Patients reported having trust in dentists who communicated treatment details, remained transparent, engaged them in decision-making, and prioritized their well-being. (3) Patients varied in how they associated trust with cost and their previous dental experience. (4) Trust influenced patient decisions to proceed with dental treatment. Trust is a dynamic component of the dentist-patient relationship that patients assess throughout their treatment-seeking process. Empathy and communication skills are modifiable attributes that dentists can develop to build their patients' trust. Dentists have less control over how patients perceive their competence. Patient trust in dentists fosters active engagement in treatment, while distrust can lead to switching dentists or avoiding treatment.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a wicked problem with long-term and unpredictable impacts on human and animal health. Understanding how to govern AMR long-term, amidst evolving social, political, economic, technological and environmental changes which will impact livestock production, animal health and AMR risks is therefore critical. The study used scenario planning as a methodology for envisioning plausible future challenges and thus identify possible strategic responses. The national context for this research was Norway, a stable, high-income country which has achieved low antibiotic use and low AMR prevalence in livestock farming through nearly 30 years of concerted industry and state actions. Working with Norwegian agricultural, animal and public health stakeholders, the scenario approach was motivated by the question of how to maintain existing governance capabilities and outcomes in an uncertain future. This is the first scenario planning study to explore stakeholder perceptions about important change drivers and strategies to manage uncertainties for AMR governance in the Norwegian livestock industry. Participants identified three critical drivers of change (state resource prioritisation of agriculture, trust in institutions, global geopolitical conditions) that would influence the development of Norwegian livestock farming, and public and private animal health and AMR governance capacity. The main threats were identified as erosion of trust impacting a culture of organisational collaboration on animal health, loss of capacity and solidarity in the context of declining farmers and veterinarians, and the tensions this produces between winners and losers. This was the basis for identifying several actions including the development of strong local networks of farmers, integrating veterinary and farm advisory services, utilising Ai and data technology to improve national animal health monitoring, and the need for sustaining the institutional and economic structures that are pre-conditions for work on AMR and animal health. These results highlight the importance of attending to these broader structural and institutional conditions that facilitate or hinder the adoption of biosecurity, antibiotic stewardship and preventive veterinary health measures as industry stakeholders and public authorities in Europe continue to grapple with AMR and antibiotic use in livestock farming.

<p><strong>Background</strong>: Indigenous populations experience disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet their encounters with healthcare systems often involve cultural disconnection and marginalization. Despite increasing use of terms such as cultural safety and competence, the specific phenomenon of cultural disruption—particularly in hospital-based cardiac care—remains underexplored and poorly defined in nursing literature.</p><p><strong>Purpose</strong>: This concept analysis aims to explore and clarify the meaning of cultural disruption as it relates to Indigenous patients undergoing cardiovascular care, with a focus on implications for nursing practice.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: Walker and Avant’s eight-step method of concept analysis was employed to identify the defining attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of cultural disruption. Data were synthesized from peer-reviewed articles published within the last 10 years, including qualitative studies and Indigenous health frameworks relevant to cardiac care.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: Cultural disruption is characterized by disconnection from cultural identity and practices, invalidation of Indigenous knowledge systems, breakdown in relational and community support, spiritual alienation, and erosion of trust in healthcare systems. Antecedents include colonization, systemic racism, and biomedical dominance, while consequences include treatment non-adherence, patient disengagement, and poor health outcomes. Empirical referents include patient-reported cultural safety assessments, narrative interviews, and clinical documentation audits.</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong>: Cultural disruption is a distinct and critical concept in understanding health inequities experienced by Indigenous cardiac patients. Recognizing this phenomenon enables nurses to implement culturally responsive strategies that uphold spiritual, relational, and community-based dimensions of care. Future research is needed to validate tools that assess cultural disruption and evaluate outcomes of culturally grounded interventions in cardiovascular nursing.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

ABSTRACT Structural failures and systemic racism increase the likelihood of Black women having adverse outcomes during pregnancy, but little is known about the role of communication with healthcare providers in amplifying or attenuating perceptions of pregnancy risk. Using a Black Feminist metatheoretical approach and the Social Amplification of Risk Framework, this study assesses the role of communication with healthcare providers on Black women’s perceptions of risk and provides recommendations for empowering pregnancy-related communication between Black women and their healthcare providers. This study’s metatheoretical underpinning in Black Feminist Theory informed the use of reflexivethematic analysis in the qualitative analysis of the in-depth interviews in order to center the narratives, perspectives and lived experiences of Black women. This study found that in a context in which Black women unjustly face heightened likelihood of poor outcomes, healthcare providers attenuated Black women’s pregnancy risk perceptions when they communicated with clarity, fostered patient agency, and demonstrated empathy toward patients. In contrast, unclear communication and obstetric violence led to the amplification of concerns and worries about pregnancy as well as erosion of trust in healthcare. This study therefore underscores the importance of healthcare providers’ clear communication, demonstration of empathy and fostering of patient agency as critical factors to empowering communication that attenuates Black women’s pregnancy-related risk perceptions.

ABSTRACT Generative AI is a powerful algorithmic system with impressive capabilities that is increasingly being used by businesses, organizations, and individuals. Over time, as the number of users and their queries increased, it became clear that at times generative AI creates content that includes partial or total fabrications. In this article, the focus is on fabrications referred to as plausible falsehoods. The author explores the following question: If generative AI can create falsehoods that sound plausible, can generative AI be trusted? Veracity is a necessary component of trust, and falsehoods have been shown to undermine trust. This brings us to the second question explored in this article: Can generative AI’s falsehoods contribute to further erosion of trust?

This research proposal explores the profound influence of social media on political movements and its implications for contemporary society. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for communication, mobilization, and information dissemination among individuals with shared political interests. The study will adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Qualitative methods will be used to gather insights from participants in political movements who have extensively utilized social media, while quantitative analysis will be used to analyze large-scale datasets encompassing social media content, user interactions, and network structures. The research will also explore the potential positive and negative consequences of social media on political movements. It will explore how social media platforms have provided marginalized voices with a platform for expression and mobilization, enabling grassroots movements and organizing protests and demonstrations. However, it will also examine the challenges posed by misinformation, filter bubbles, and echo chambers, which may contribute to political polarization and erosion of trust in democratic processes. The anticipated outcomes include an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms through which social media shapes political movements and identify best practices for utilizing social media platforms for constructive political engagement. The findings will inform policymakers, activists, and platform developers in their efforts to navigate the complex landscape of social media and its impact on political discourse.

This research proposal explores the profound influence of social media on political movements and its implications for contemporary society. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for communication, mobilization, and information dissemination among individuals with shared political interests. The study will adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Qualitative methods will be used to gather insights from participants in political movements who have extensively utilized social media, while quantitative analysis will be used to analyze large-scale datasets encompassing social media content, user interactions, and network structures. The research will also explore the potential positive and negative consequences of social media on political movements. It will explore how social media platforms have provided marginalized voices with a platform for expression and mobilization, enabling grassroots movements and organizing protests and demonstrations. However, it will also examine the challenges posed by misinformation, filter bubbles, and echo chambers, which may contribute to political polarization and erosion of trust in democratic processes. The anticipated outcomes include an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms through which social media shapes political movements and identify best practices for utilizing social media platforms for constructive political engagement. The findings will inform policymakers, activists, and platform developers in their efforts to navigate the complex landscape of social media and its impact on political discourse.

This study aims to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence in recruitment, focusing on its impact on decisionmaking, transparency, and trust. Artificial Intelligence has rapidly become a vital tool in modern recruitment processes, automating key tasks such as screening and interview scheduling. This research applies comprehensive analysis, utilizing both descriptive and network methodologies, to examine how Artificial Intelligence-driven recruitment affects stakeholders, particularly in terms of trust in Artificial Intelligence systems. The findings show key areas in the application of Artificial Intelligence in recruitment, including automated decision-making, stakeholder interaction, and the ethical concerns surrounding bias and transparency. Transparency not only enhances the perceived fairness of Artificial Intelligence processes but also builds trust among both recruiters and candidates. However, overreliance on Artificial Intelligence, especially without proper human oversight, may cause discomfort, leading to a potential erosion of trust. Artificial Intelligence helps organizations improve their recruitment outcomes, particularly in achieving diversity and minimizing biases. Artificial Intelligence in recruitment hinges on transparency, trust, and a balanced integration of Artificial Intelligence and human input. These insights are valuable for organizations looking to optimize their recruitment processes and foster trust in Artificial Intelligence-driven systems.