

25 Years of the 21st Century: 2. The Age of Mistrust
51 snips Jan 6, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Rachel Botsman, trust expert and Oxford lecturer, and Helen Margetts, a professor specializing in internet impact, explore the complexities of trust in today’s world. They delve into how the internet has transformed traditional trust dynamics, emphasizing the importance of discerning reliable information amidst rampant misinformation. The discussion also touches on the evolution of trust in currencies, particularly with the rise of cryptocurrencies, and examines the societal implications of skepticism towards institutions and experts.
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Granny Scam
- Margaret MacMillan shared a personal anecdote about a "granny scam".
- She mistook the scammer for her nephew, but realized it was a scam when she challenged the caller.
Scale and Scams
- Scammers exploit the scale of digital communication, sending countless messages.
- This increases the likelihood of finding vulnerable individuals who fall for scams.
Evolution of Trust
- Trust has evolved through local, institutional, and now distributed phases, influenced by technology.
- Rachel Botsman highlights the shift from top-down trust to network-based trust.