Overview

• The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer surveyed over 33,000 people across 28 countries, revealing widespread distrust in governments, businesses, and media.
• More than half of respondents aged 18-34 support using violence, property damage, or disinformation to achieve societal change, with 31% of Gen Z explicitly endorsing violence.
• Economic concerns, including inflation, job insecurity linked to AI and globalization, and class divides, are driving grievances, with only one-third believing the next generation will be better off.
• Two-thirds of respondents believe institutional leaders, including CEOs, government officials, and journalists, intentionally mislead the public, exacerbating confusion over credible information.
• The findings suggest a need for cross-institutional efforts to rebuild trust, address economic inequality, and restore hope for the future.