Rebuilding Trust in a Distrustful Age

Assistant Professor of Media Analytics and Strategic Communications Kathleen Stansberry

Trust — a cornerstone of social cohesion — is eroding in American society. Over two decades, research has shown a stark drop in public confidence, especially since 2017. The United States, once a global leader in trust, has seen a dramatic fall, particularly in media institutions. What were once forums for democratic discourse are now met with widespread skepticism, undermining public dialogue and social cohesion.

As a faculty member teaching strategic communications and media analytics, I explore the intersections of trust, data and digital platforms with my students. Central to this education is data literacy — the ability to understand and interpret data within its context. Numbers, while neutral, derive meaning from their presentation and perspective, making data literacy essential in combating sophisticated and pervasive misinformation. Students must learn technical skills as well as ethical awareness in analyzing and sharing information.

My interest in trust and influence stems from a deeply personal experience. At 23, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. This life-altering moment introduced me to the profound role of trust and information. Early internet communities became a lifeline, connecting me with others navigating similar challenges and offering vital emotional support. However, they also exposed me to a digital landscape rife with medical misinformation. These experiences taught me about the dual power of online communities: their ability to provide connection and their potential to spread harmful misinformation.

By integrating robust data analysis into communication education, we prepare students to critically evaluate evidence, identify bias and craft accurate, transparent messaging.

Today’s trust dynamics present a paradox. Americans increasingly trust “someone like me” over traditional authority figures such as academics, government figures or journalists. Online communities, built around shared experiences, have become powerful centers of influence, shaping opinions and behaviors far beyond their boundaries. While this shift creates opportunities for connection, it also raises challenges in ensuring effective, truthful communication in the digital age. Algorithms, social media and artificial intelligence play significant roles in shaping opinions.

By integrating robust data analysis into communication education, we prepare students to critically evaluate evidence, identify bias and craft accurate, transparent messaging. This approach equips them to counter misinformation while understanding the ethical implications of data use and the importance of context in interpretation. For instance, students in my classes craft data bios that critically examine datasets by documenting their origins, collection methods and limitations. They also analyze identical datasets from opposing viewpoints to understand how data visualization can be both accurate and persuasive and apply media analysis tools to address social issues in their capstone projects.

From my journey as a cancer patient to becoming a communications scholar, I’ve seen the transformative impact of trustworthy information and authentic connection. As trust in institutions falters, ethical and data-literate communicators are vital to rebuilding informed public dialogue and strengthening social cohesion.

The future of communication lies not just in mastering new technologies or platforms, but in understanding how trust, data and human connection intersect. By teaching the next generation of communicators how to navigate these intersections with skill and integrity, we can work toward restoring trust in our institutions and reinforcing the democratic foundations of society.