When Truth Is Not Common Sense

In the world were truth and trust is rapidly disappearing how can we navigate the information that we’re getting? From governments at all levels including international. Truth in the medical system – pharmaceuticals, insurance, HMO’s, hospitalization, elder care, rehabilitation companies, doctors. Truth in newspapers. Truth in electronic media – broadcasting networks, online media, podcasts. Celebrity talking heads. Truth in financial and lending institutions, treasury department, banks, credit unions, stocks and bonds markets. When the watchdogs are being fired and bribed, what can we the citizens do? Can we trust the AI companies popping up all over the place with all kinds of claims?

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Navigating a world where trust and truth are eroding can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like every institution—government, media, corporations, and even emerging technologies like AI—has become a source of skepticism. However, there are practical steps and strategies that individuals can take to critically evaluate information, protect themselves, and foster trust in their own communities.

1. Understanding the Crisis of Trust

The decline in trust is not new. Public trust in government, for example, has been steadily eroding since the 1960s, influenced by events like the Vietnam War, Watergate, and economic crises. Today, this distrust extends to nearly all institutions, including media, corporations, and even science. The rise of misinformation, “alternative facts,” and the dismissal of experts has only deepened this crisis. This erosion of trust has real consequences: it makes it harder to solve societal problems, weakens democracy, and fosters division. However, many believe that trust can be rebuilt through transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.


2. How to Navigate Information in a Distrustful World

A. Be a Critical Consumer of Information

  • Verify Sources: Always check the credibility of the source. Is it a reputable organization? Does it have a history of accuracy? Be wary of sensational headlines or unverified claims.
  • Cross-Check Information: Don’t rely on a single source. Compare information across multiple outlets to identify consistent facts.
  • Understand Bias: Recognize that all sources have some level of bias. Learn to identify the perspective or agenda behind the information.

B. Use Tools to Combat Misinformation

  • Fact-Checking Websites: Use platforms like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or PolitiFact to verify claims.
  • AI Tools: While AI can be helpful, it’s important to understand its limitations. AI-generated content can sometimes perpetuate biases or inaccuracies, so use it as a supplement, not a sole source.
  • Media Literacy: Educate yourself on how media works. Learn to distinguish between news, opinion, and propaganda.

C. Demand Transparency and Accountability

  • Support Transparent Institutions: Advocate for organizations and governments to share data and decision-making processes openly. Transparency has been shown to improve trust.
  • Engage in Civic Participation: Participate in local government meetings, vote, and hold leaders accountable. Citizen engagement is a proven way to rebuild trust.

3. Protecting Yourself as a Consumer

Distrust extends beyond information to products, services, and industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Here’s how to protect yourself:

A. Research Before You Buy

  • Look for independent reviews and third-party certifications for products.
  • Avoid relying solely on company claims; instead, seek out consumer reports or watchdog organizations.

B. Advocate for Consumer Protections

  • Support policies that require rigorous safety testing and transparency from manufacturers.
  • Push for stronger regulations on industries like pharmaceuticals and elder care to ensure accountability.

C. Build Relationships with Trusted Professionals

  • In healthcare, finance, or other critical areas, seek out professionals with strong reputations and personal recommendations.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek second opinions.

4. Rebuilding Trust in Your Community

While global and national trust issues may feel insurmountable, change often starts locally. Here’s how you can foster trust in your immediate environment:

A. Strengthen Local Connections

  • Build relationships with neighbors, local businesses, and community organizations. Trust grows through personal interactions.
  • Participate in community events or volunteer efforts to create a sense of shared purpose.

B. Support Independent Media

  • Local and independent media outlets are often more accountable to their communities. Support them through subscriptions or donations.
  • Diversify your media consumption to include a range of perspectives.

C. Advocate for Ethical AI

  • As AI becomes more prevalent, push for transparency in how AI systems are developed and used.
  • Support companies and organizations that prioritize ethical AI practices and are open about their algorithms and data usage.

5. What Can “The Little Folks” Do?

For individuals who feel powerless in the face of these challenges, small actions can still make a big difference:

  • Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. The more you understand about how systems work, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate them.
  • Build Networks: Connect with others who share your concerns. Collective action is often more effective than individual efforts.
  • Stay Informed, but Not Overwhelmed: It’s easy to feel paralyzed by the sheer volume of information. Focus on what you can control and take small, meaningful steps.

Final Thoughts

While the erosion of trust is a significant challenge, it’s not insurmountable. By becoming critical consumers of information, advocating for transparency, and fostering trust in our own communities, we can begin to rebuild the foundations of trust. Urge action from your local organization and leadership. Vet them for transparency and being available for critique. Remember, change often starts with individuals like you—taking small, deliberate actions to make a difference.

You may also want to ask how do we verify information sources effectively? What resources can build our critical thinking? What role do community groups play in this?

pewresearch.org2Americans’ Trust in Government, Each Other, Leaders | Pew Research Center

Many Americans think declining trust in the government and in each other makes it harder to solve key problems. They have a wealth of ideas about what’s gone wrong and how to fix it.

umich.edu1Breaking down public trust

By Rebecca Cohen (MPP ’09)Americans’ trust in government institutions to “do the right thing” has steadily eroded since the late 1960s,1 correlated for many analysts with events such as the Vietnam War, Watergate, the ’70s oil embargo, and President Reagan’s 1981 inaugural address.2

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oecd.orgTrust in government | OECD

Countries face a crisis of trust which becomes increasingly concerning amid economic downturns, health emergencies and other crises. Since democracies require citizen trust in government to function effectively, the OECD Trust Survey provides governments with the data, tools and solutions necessary …