A 2026 report from the Edelman Trust Barometer indicates that trust in government, media, and business has fallen to unprecedented levels globally. The survey, conducted in 28 countries, found that only 40% of respondents trust traditional media, while trust in government stands at 45%.
This erosion of trust is driving changes in consumer behavior and political engagement. People are increasingly turning to peer networks and social media influencers for information, bypassing traditional gatekeepers. The report highlights that 60% of respondents now rely on search engines and social media as their primary news sources.
Experts warn that this shift creates vulnerabilities to misinformation and polarization. Businesses are responding by emphasizing transparency and direct communication with stakeholders. The study concludes that rebuilding trust requires consistent, verifiable actions rather than mere promises.
