Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Public distrust refers to skepticism or lack of confidence that individuals or communities may have towards government agencies, corporations, or institutions due to perceived dishonesty, incompetence, or lack of transparency.
Related terms
Transparency: Transparency refers to openness and accountability in decision-making processes by providing clear information and access to relevant data.
Whistleblower: A whistleblower is an individual who exposes wrongdoing or illegal activities within an organization, often at great personal risk, in order to bring attention to the issue and promote accountability.
Misinformation: Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information that is spread unintentionally or deliberately, leading to confusion and potentially influencing public opinion.