Trust in Science and Medicine
A recent survey of the public about their trust in science and medicine was reassuring. We’re still well respected, Norbert!
That’s a relief! But the survey also raised concerns. This year’s Edelman Trust Barometer found nearly 70 percent of people surveyed from 16 countries embrace one or more medical conspiracy theories or believe misinformation about health, food, medicine or vaccines.
And this was true regardless of education, politics, age or ethnicity. It’s just as bad in the US. Lack of trust erodes people’s confidence in finding accurate health information and today’s AI can create even more uncertainty.
More than 60 percent of people now believe they can do some things as well as a doctor, such as medicating and treating certain sickness. Most people still believe a doctor is much better at diagnosis and treatment of a disease, but they prefer to use AI for advice about diet and nutrition.
In a society that promotes unscientific information, the role of scientists and healthcare providers to direct the public to reputable information is critical. Fortunately, a recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found about 70 percent of Americans trust scientists to act in the public’s best interest. That’s much higher than their trust in politicians at 33 percent or religious leaders at forty-seven percent.
Dave and I will continue to try to live up to that trust with every show we write.
More Information
From a crisis of grievance to a crisis of insularity
The 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals a world retreating towards insularity. As economic anxiety, geopolitical tension, and technological disruption intensify, people are narrowing their world to smaller, familiar circles that reflect their views, and this hinders economic and societal progress. Read the 2026 report to understand a path forward to restoring trust and rebuilding connection and collaboration across society.
Scientists Esteemed by Public, with Vaccine Scientists Seen as Similar to Scientists in General
A nationally representative survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania finds that the American public continues to see scientists working on vaccines in fundamentally similar ways to medical scientists and scientists in general.