
Edelman Trust Barometer 2023: Navigating a Polarised World
17 January 2023
Summary
Social fabric weakens among deep divisions. A lack of faith in societal institutions triggered by economic anxiety, disinformation, mass-class divide and a failure of leadership has brought us to where we are today – deeply and dangerously polarized. People now fear for their economic future without a trust safety net. Only 40% of respondents say they and their families will be better off in five years, a 10-point decline from 2022. Business is the only institution seen as competent and ethical. Fifty-three percent of respondents globally say that their countries are more divided today than in the past. CEOs are obligated to improve economic optimism and hold divisive forces accountable.