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The Trust Deficit means there is a lack of trust in traditional institutions, experts, and information sources. It contributes to the rapid spread of online untruths by creating an environment where people are more susceptible to misinformation. It is one of the key drivers of The rise of online untruths.

Growing distrust in traditional media and institutions creates a fertile ground for misinformation to take root.

When official sources are viewed skeptically, alternative narratives—regardless of their veracity—gain traction.

The dynamic operates as follows:

1. Erosion of Trust in Traditional Institutions
   • Declining Credibility of Experts and Media: Mistrust in governments, journalists, scientists, and other traditional gatekeepers of information makes people skeptical of verified facts, even when these come from reputable sources.
   • Historical Failures: Scandals, misinformation, or perceived bias in mainstream media or institutions fuel skepticism, making individuals more likely to seek alternative narratives, even if unverified.
2. Preference for Peer-Generated Content
   • Reliance on Social Networks: In a trust-deficient environment, people often turn to friends, influencers, or online communities for information, assuming these sources are more relatable or honest.
   • Echo Chambers: Social networks amplify misinformation by exposing users primarily to content that aligns with their existing beliefs, further deepening mistrust in outside perspectives.
3. Belief in Alternative Narratives
   • Appeal of Conspiracy Theories: A lack of trust in official accounts makes people more receptive to conspiracy theories, which often offer simple, emotionally resonant explanations for complex issues.
   • Distrust as a Gateway to Untruths: When people distrust verified sources, they may gravitate toward alternative sources that confirm their biases, even if these are less credible or outright false.
4. Skepticism of Fact-Checking
   • Mistrust in Corrective Measures: Efforts to counter misinformation, such as fact-checking, are often dismissed by those who view them as part of the establishment they distrust.
   • Confirmation Bias: People may reject fact-checking that contradicts their worldview, further entrenching false beliefs.
5. Exploitation by Bad Actors
   • Manipulation of Distrust: Malicious actors, including foreign entities, exploit the trust deficit by crafting narratives that undermine faith in traditional sources while promoting divisive or false information.
   • Polarization: Misinformation campaigns often frame themselves as counterpoints to "mainstream lies," appealing to those who already distrust traditional sources.

The Trust Deficit Fuels Misinformation by:

• Amplification of Polarization: The trust deficit deepens ideological divides, making people more likely to reject information from opposing viewpoints, even if it is factual.
• Lowered Standards for Credibility: People who distrust traditional institutions may accept less rigorous or poorly sourced information as long as it aligns with their worldview.
• Reluctance to Verify Information: The skepticism bred by the trust deficit often extends to fact-checking tools, making it easier for misinformation to thrive unchecked.

To Address the Trust Deficit, the stakeholders of UN Global Principles for Information Integrity - Next Steps may use these strategies to mitigate the conditions that enable the rapid spread of online untruths:

• Rebuild Institutional Credibility (Institutional Credibility Journey):
  • Increase transparency and accountability in governments, media, and other key institutions.
  • Foster open communication and engage with communities to address their concerns.
• Promote Media Literacy:
  • Equip people with skills to critically evaluate sources, verify claims, and recognize biases.
  • Highlight the importance of distinguishing between trustworthy and untrustworthy information.
• Encourage Cross-Partisan Dialogue:
  • Create spaces for constructive discussions across ideological divides to reduce polarization and build mutual understanding.
• Strengthen Platform Responsibility:
  • Platforms should prioritize surfacing credible, well-sourced information while reducing the visibility of unverified or misleading content.