Of all social networks, one's own family is the most stable. Not only does it play an important role for the individual, shaping and protecting them, but it also plays a central role in social cohesion. Within the population, eight out of ten people rely on their own family even in times of crisis, with the over 55s expressing significantly above-average approval.
Trust is built on a small scale – in relationships that provide us with support. For the majority of Germans, family and friends are considered central pillars in life, especially in uncertain times. But how does this trust shape broader social interaction? In this episode, learn what role close relationships play in our self-confidence and the resilience of society, why personal trust has far-reaching consequences – and how family structures change over time.
The media will continue to play a central role in democracy and social cohesion. Their function as the fourth estate remains indispensable for ensuring transparency and uncovering abuses. This watchdog function will remain crucial for strengthening citizens' trust in institutions and safeguarding the integrity of democratic processes.
The media play a central role in a democracy – they inform, contextualize, and facilitate the formation of public opinion. However, trust in their independence has declined, while the spread of misinformation is on the rise. In this episode, learn how the public assesses the credibility of traditional and social media, the importance of dealing with fake news, and what measures can help strengthen trust in the long term.
Trust in political institutions is a central foundation of our democracy. But what is the current state of this trust – and what happens when it erodes? Amidst personal disappointments, political scandals, and calls for greater transparency, fundamental questions arise for the future. In this episode, learn how trust in parliaments, courts, and decision-makers has evolved, what role individual figures play in this process, and what paths exist to secure and rebuild political trust in the long term.
In recent years, public debate has often been characterised by a loss of trust in institutions such as political parties, academia and the media. Various causes and developments have contributed to this development, e.g. political polarisation, populist movements, a lack of transparency, poor crisis management, misleading communication or even disinformation. Despite all these mistakes and criticism, trust in institutions remains essential for the majority of citizens in order to live together safely.
Only a balanced interplay of individual initiative and collective responsibility can keep a society resilient. The ability to cooperate not only determines success in overcoming current crises, but also forms the basis for a future worth living.
Whether in politics, media, or everyday life – trust is built through words. But when does communication strengthen trust, and when does it undermine it? Between clarity, transparency, and emotional appeal, it becomes clear: language shapes our interactions far more than it initially appears. In this episode, learn about the role of clear communication in building social trust, why too much openness can also be unsettling, and how trust might evolve in the digital future.
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.
Trust is an essential basis for social coexistence. Currently, a small majority of the population trusts most of their fellow citizens. At 60 per cent, the proportion of people under the age of 35 is higher than that of older generations, of whom only around one in two express trust in their fellow citizens. A look at the development over the years shows a changing dynamic. In 2000, the proportion was just 36 per cent and rose steadily to a high of 60 per cent by 2019. This was followed by a decline to 45 per cent in 2022, before the figure recovered to its current level of 54 per cent.
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