Who Can We Trust in a Sea of Information?

You know that feeling when you open the internet and the news comes at you from all sides—TV, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok… Then a friend drops an “explosive” link into a WhatsApp group, while politicians on TV once again promise the moon and the stars. In that ocean of information, it’s hard not to ask the obvious question: Who can we actually trust?

Once upon a time, we naïvely trusted whatever was printed in the newspapers or said on television. Today, we’re skeptical of almost everyone—media outlets, politicians, “experts,” and just about every post on social media. That’s why it’s worth taking a relaxed (and slightly sarcastic) walk through media, politics, science, and social platforms—to see where trust got lost, how one small country compares with the rest of the world, and, finally, to offer a few practical tips on how to recognize who—and what—is worth believing.

Media: between professionalism and “fake news”

For decades, the media were the primary source of information. Television, newspapers, radio—this is where we went looking for the truth. In recent years, however, audiences have grown suspicious. Why? Partly because the media themselves share the blame. In the race for speed and attention, unverified or sensational stories sometimes slip through, and that inevitably backfires. Add pressure on journalists, censorship, and political influence, and it’s no surprise that trust erodes.

This isn’t a local issue—it’s a global trend. Around the world, confidence in the media is declining. Still, despite their flaws, most people would rather check a story on a reputable news site or a prime-time newscast than trust a random anonymous blog. Media organizations can make mistakes, but at least they attempt to follow journalistic standards—unlike the online jungle, where rules are optional.

Politics: promises, scandals, and chronic distrust

Politicians and trust go together about as well as oil and water. During campaigns, they promise everything we want to hear. After elections, those fairy tales are often forgotten as soon as the votes are counted. Public skepticism is the natural result. In many countries, you’ll hear the same phrase: “They’re all the same.” Frequent scandals and press conferences that sometimes feel like soap operas don’t exactly help.

Surveys confirm this trust deficit. Only a small minority of citizens say they trust parliaments or governments. Globally, the picture is similar—most people believe politicians deliberately mislead the public or spread half-truths. So it’s not just local cynicism; it’s a worldwide phenomenon. Political promises, it seems, are widely perceived as stories rather than commitments.

Science: between “Doctor Google” and real doctors

With the pandemic and the internet overflowing with conspiracy theories, it might seem as though trust in science has collapsed. Online, you can find everything from flat-earth theories to claims that new technologies cause diseases or that vaccines secretly implant microchips. In all that noise, it can feel as if no one listens to scientists anymore.

But here’s the surprise: trust in scientists remains relatively high. Most people still value expertise and want to hear what qualified professionals have to say, even if the loudest voices belong to skeptics. In many surveys, scientists rank near the top in public trust—well above influencers or self-proclaimed online prophets.

Scientists themselves know they need to communicate better, which is why more of them are appearing in the media and on social platforms. When we get sick or board a plane, we still trust doctors and engineers more than internet shamans—and that says a lot.

Social media: the Wild West of information

This is where things really get chaotic. Social media platforms are the informational Wild West: anyone can post anything, algorithms amplify what shocks or provokes emotion, and fact-checking feels like a luxury few can afford. Unsurprisingly, misinformation spreads easily—from “guaranteed” investment schemes to wildly implausible conspiracy theories.

Paradoxically, a significant number of people trust what they see on social media more than traditional media. For some, a post shared by friends feels more credible than an evening news broadcast. The problem is that, unlike newsrooms, social platforms have no editors filtering claims. The result is an information jungle where truth and falsehood compete for likes, views, and shares.

Local patterns, global problems

When it comes to trust, no country is truly exceptional. Across the world, people tend to trust scientists and certain institutions more than politicians and, increasingly, more than media outlets. Differences exist in degree, not in direction. The broader picture is clear: we are living through a global crisis of trust. We are skeptical, sometimes cynical—but we are far from alone.

How to recognize what—and whom—to trust (practical tips)

So what can we do, as individuals, to avoid being misled? A few practical rules help navigate the noise:

Check the source. Who is behind the claim? A reputable outlet or a recognized expert—or an anonymous page no one has heard of? If it’s the latter, be cautious. Look for confirmation elsewhere. If only one lonely voice claims something extraordinary, skepticism is healthy.

Check the date and context. Old stories often resurface as if they were new. Pay attention to when something was published and whether it’s satire or a quote pulled out of context.

Watch for sensationalism. Headlines screaming “SHOCKING!!!” or “YOU WON’T BELIEVE THIS…” are red flags. Serious information rarely needs three exclamation points.

Be cautious with images and videos. What you see isn’t always real. Photo editing and deepfake technology can create very convincing illusions. If something looks too dramatic to be true, it probably is.

Follow credible sources—and think critically. No source is perfect, but reputable ones fail less often. Compare information, ask questions, and apply common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Trust on sale

In an age where information is everywhere—and misinformation perhaps more so than ever—trust has become a discounted commodity. Still, not everything is bleak. There are people and institutions worthy of our trust; we just need to recognize them. Let’s stay open, but cautious; informed, but critical. Trust—but verify. And, finally, keep a sense of humor. Sometimes, laughing at the absurd is the first step toward exposing it.