The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Have You Got Trust Issues?
Mar 24, 2025
Rachel Botsman, a trust expert and author, dives into the declining trust in our institutions and each other. She reveals how this erosion impacts our happiness and the fabric of society. Botsman discusses the rise of peer influences among younger generations and the role of social media in shaping trust perceptions. She emphasizes the importance of navigating distrust and suggests a 'trust pause' to better assess relationships. Ultimately, she advocates for small 'trust leaps' to rebuild connections in a world filled with uncertainty.
42:02
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Quick takeaways
- The significant decline in social trust, especially post-COVID-19, threatens individual happiness and societal cohesion.
- Trust can be understood in various forms—institutional, interpersonal, and social—which have different implications for behavior and relationships.
Deep dives
Decline in Social Trust Post-Pandemic
There has been a significant global decrease in social trust, particularly in interpersonal relationships, which is alarming and unprecedented. This decline was marked notably in 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, but has shown no signs of recovery. Trust within families, friendships, and close circles is notably impacted, which some experts link to increasing societal loneliness. Researchers argue that this erosion of trust is not just detrimental to individual happiness but also fosters anti-system thinking, leading people to reject traditional political structures.
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