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.