Why Americans Don't Trust Each Other

USA Today recently reported (original article here) that Americans don’t trust each other anymore. In fact, it’s at an all-time low, since trust began to be measured in 1972. While we might associate this distrust with scandals in government, churches, or Wall Street, this survey asks whether we trust one another at the most basic level. Only 33% of Americans say that they do.

Described as the breakdown of social trust, author and researcher Robert Putnam notes that Americans have abandoned their bowling leagues and Elks lodges to stay home and watch TV. Less socializing and fewer community meetings make people less trustful than the “long civic generation” that came of age during the Great Depression and World War II.

Others put the cause as the growing inequality between rich and poor. Trust seems to increase with income, so if we could all just have a little bit more, we’d be more likely to trust each other.

The cure? According to this article, “if Americans strive to rebuild community and civic life, perhaps by harnessing technology.”

Personally, I agree with the first part of the previous statement, but disagree vehemently with the second. I believe that trust is built on personal interaction with others. As technology has increased, our level of human interaction has decreased significantly. Evenings on the front porch with friends and family have been replaced by evenings alone in front of the television.

The best hope to regain trust? Rebuilding community. That’s where I believe the church has an integral part to play. Mt Vernon Church’s purpose is to “create contagious communities of hope.” As we build community, as we foster human interaction in a positive way, we help people begin to trust again.

With the erosion of trust today, the church has an incredible opportunity to step into the gap and be a positive force for good.