Result
Open and honest communication is considered essential by the vast majority of German citizens for strengthening trust within society. This trust forms the basis for a stable and fair coexistence, both in interpersonal relationships and in the relationship between citizens and institutions.
Reasons
As other charts also show, citizens view trust as a cornerstone of a stable and just society. It forms the basis for credibility, respect, and stability. To foster this trust sustainably, transparent communication is necessary, ensuring authenticity and minimizing misunderstandings. Only through openness can citizens develop the feeling of being taken seriously and actively participating in social life.
In everyday life, especially within families and among friends, open communication plays a crucial role. It allows us to express our thoughts and feelings, thus facilitating a change of perspective. This ability fosters understanding of other viewpoints and strengthens the bond between those speaking. This openness also always involves the courage to be vulnerable – a risk that is worthwhile, however, as it creates deeper relationships and a stronger foundation of trust. Without this openness, problems often remain unspoken, which promotes misunderstandings and allows conflicts to escalate. Honest communication, on the other hand, offers the opportunity to defuse tensions early on and to develop solutions together. This not only strengthens cohesion within our personal lives but also fosters general trust in others.
An open culture of dialogue is also valued in the public sphere. Citizens expect transparency and honesty from institutions such as politics, media, and science. Clear explanations of decisions are of particular importance. Acceptance arises only when citizens can understand why certain measures are taken – even on controversial topics.
Institutions gain credibility when they are willing to admit mistakes and take responsibility. Concealing problems or a lack of transparency, on the other hand, quickly leads to distrust. Open communication also helps to dispel rumors and encourages citizens to ask questions or contribute their own opinions. This fosters a culture of dialogue in which citizens feel valued. The importance of open communication becomes particularly clear in crisis situations. Whether facing economic uncertainty, health emergencies, or other challenges, citizens seek guidance and support in such times. When institutions communicate transparently and simultaneously demonstrate empathy, citizens feel better understood and supported. The moment concerns are taken seriously and solutions are developed collaboratively, a sense of respect and equality arises. In the long term, this ultimately strengthens trust in public actors and solidifies the bond between citizens and institutions.
The above-average approval rating among the older generation is based on their wealth of experience and their affinity for direct exchange, as well as their lower inclination towards digital forms of communication. They have more experience with crises, often possess better interpersonal skills, and understand the importance of honest communication for building trust. This applies both to their own lives and to their perception of decision-makers' willingness to engage in dialogue. They have also witnessed more frequently than others how a lack of communication or deception (e.g., in political scandals) can lead to mistrust and often recognize the consequences of dishonest communication more quickly than others.
Forecast
The importance of open communication will continue to grow in the coming years. And the more frequently citizens can actively participate in decision-making processes, the stronger their trust in public actors will be. Participatory approaches such as citizens' forums or digital co-determination platforms will help to intensify dialogue and convey a sense of co-creation. Such formats not only foster a feeling of belonging but also make it possible to identify and respond to societal changes early on.
In an increasingly individualized society, it will become ever more important for institutions to tailor their messages to the needs of different target groups. Citizens desire personalized information that takes their lived realities into account while simultaneously emphasizing shared values. Alongside factual information, empathetic responses to concerns and anxieties will also become increasingly important. Institutions that are able to clearly present solutions while simultaneously conveying emotional appeal will gain in public support and, consequently, in importance. Digitalization will both facilitate this and present challenges. While digital platforms enable the rapid and direct dissemination of information, they also increase the risk of disinformation, anonymity, and manipulative content.
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