Dr. Vincent Oh, a psychology lecturer at the Singapore University of Social Sciences ( SUSS), claimed that the proliferation of alternative viewpoints on social media platforms may have also contributed to a growing distrust of leaders.
While no inherently bad because freedom of speech and expression is “fundamental to any democracy,” Dr. Oh said that it also means that contrary views- or perhaps conspiracy theories in more severe cases- receive more air time and that people are more easily and commonly exposed to these views.
He added that these may cause some general shifts in attitudes toward the popular media and narratives.
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) psychologist Dr. Shannon Ang also noted that corporations and confidence in individuals are” conceptually distinct” from one another.
The effects may just be that people continue to believe in the structures and procedures that have been put in place, according to Dr. Ang.
He added that large institutional trust may also reduce the effects of lower interpersonal trust in some cases.
Dr. Ang did warn against taking this trust for granted and cautioned against dishonest leaders from eventually erode confidence in institutions over time.
” It seems we are not seeing those effects yet, but that does n’t mean it wo n’t happen”.
Strengthening Faith
On the one hand, experts warn that a growing distrust of leaders may cause people to question what they are told, examine information for themselves, and desire greater accountability and transparency.
On the other hand, a lack of confidence between officials and community may eventually lead to more conflict and less willingness to pay fees, according to Dr. Ang from NTU.
Assoc Prof Tan from NUS said they may gradually ballot to replace these rulers, or even the institution, if hostility is left unchecked and people continue to believe officials are purposefully trying to deceive them.
To beat this distrust, leaders would do well to , present willingness to obtain feedback- including ones that are damaging to them- and act on these,  , communicate honestly, ensure their actions align with their words, and take accountability in the event of any wrongdoings, said experts.
Dr. Gillian Koh, senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies ( IPS), said for those who feel abandoned as society and technology evolve:” In Singapore, the myth is frequently that workers will lose their jobs if they do n’t retrain.  ,
There is much less of a narrative about how technology is likely to improve existing jobs, enhance existing ones, or support current workers with their current jobs. So, the majority of stories tend to be told from the” change or die” perspective.  ,
” Unless you are younger, more tech- savvy, interested in innovation and have a positive outlook on science and technology, the mass base of people feel threatened by that sort of change”.
According to Dr. Oh of SUSS, a perceived lack of choice likely also contributes significantly to why some respondents may feel abandoned by society and technological changes.
” As one example, when the shift to SimplyGo was initially announced, there was no’ opt- out ‘ option and it was mandated. Many societal and technological changes are unilaterally forced upon them, according to Dr. Oh, “people may perceive that.
As such, empowering individuals to have greater autonomy, and providing alternatives wherever possible, would likely smoothen the rollout of any such changes for many individuals.
Ultimately,  , people and leaders responsible for making those changes should  , also be mindful that there would be people who have difficulties catching up,  , said , Assoc Prof Tan , from SUSS.
Leaders must therefore communicate understanding and assurance, and provide the necessary assistance to help these individuals level up, he , added.
OTHER KEY FINDINGS
According to the Edelman study, more Singaporeans are concerned about the following than they were a year ago:
- Job loss ( 93 per cent ), up from 90 per cent
- Hackers ( 80 per cent ), up from 73 per cent
- Climate change ( 75 per cent ), up from 70 per cent
- Nuclear war ( 72 per cent ), up from 68 per cent
- Inflation ( 72 per cent ), up from 71 per cent
- Information war ( 55 per cent ), up from 50 per cent