A recent global study by Edelman, detailed in the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, reveals a significant shift in societal attitudes, particularly among younger generations.
The survey, which engaged over 32,000 respondents across 28 countries, indicates a growing acceptance of extreme actions—such as violence, property damage, and disinformation—as legitimate tools for driving social and political change. This trend is part of a broader societal transformation characterized by what Edelman describes as “aggressive advocacy for self-interest.”
The data highlights an erosion of trust in institutions, including governments, businesses, and media. Two-thirds of respondents believe that these entities intentionally mislead the public, contributing to widespread alienation and resentment. This disillusionment is particularly acute among younger individuals, with 55% of those aged 18–34 supporting hostile methods for enacting change.
Economic anxieties are a central factor in this shift. Inflation, job insecurity due to globalization and artificial intelligence, and concerns about economic inequality have intensified grievances. Notably, only 33% of respondents globally believe the next generation will experience improved living standards.
The survey reveals that 61% of participants feel the current system disproportionately benefits elites at the expense of ordinary citizens. Distrust is bipartisan, with 69% of left-leaning respondents and 57% of right-leaning respondents expressing significant grievances. The divide between income levels further exacerbates this issue: high-income individuals show greater trust in institutions than their lower-income counterparts.
Journalists, government officials, and business leaders face particular scrutiny, with 70% of respondents accusing them of deliberate dishonesty. Additionally, two-thirds find it challenging to distinguish credible information from disinformation, a concern amplified by the reduced emphasis on fact-checking by social media platforms.
Generational divides are evident, with younger respondents exhibiting higher levels of discontent. For instance, 31% of Gen Z participants believe violence is a legitimate means of change, reflecting deep frustrations. Western democracies, in particular, report some of the lowest levels of optimism. In France and Germany, only 9% and 14% of respondents, respectively, believe the next generation will fare better.
Edelman CEO Richard Edelman emphasizes the urgent need to rebuild trust and foster economic optimism. He advocates for a collaborative approach among businesses, governments, NGOs, and media to address pressing challenges such as affordability, sustainability, and misinformation.
“Economic fears have metastasized into grievance,” Edelman stated.
He urged institutions to prioritize solutions that restore hope and societal cohesion. He also highlighted the potential for businesses to play a pivotal role, given their relative trust advantage over other institutions.
Fortune, Time, Reuters, and Axios contributed to this report.
