Edelman Trust Barometer 2026: Societal resentments and discontent have led to the isolation of people into smaller groups.

In his book 'The Empty Sun', Isaac Asimov anticipated a technologically advanced but isolated society. The Edelman Trust Barometer 2026 confirms this vision, showing that 70% of respondents do not trust those with different values. Isolation is fueled by economic anxiety, the collapse of optimism, declining trust in institutions, and the information crisis. Richard Edelman emphasizes that this isolation has become a crisis of trust, with people preferring the safety of familiar environments. The business environment is perceived as a facilitator of trust, with employers playing a crucial role in reconnecting groups. The barometer highlights an increasing gap between the masses and the elite, with developed markets having the lowest levels of trust. Additionally, the business environment is now considered more ethical than NGOs, underscoring the responsibility of leaders to rebuild trust in society.