Trust Language Index
Trust ↔ Cynicism
Trust is the lubricant of democratic systems. Institutional trust allows citizens to accept unfavourable decisions; interpersonal trust enables cooperation across difference; epistemic trust supports the shared reality that collective deliberation requires. This dimension measures whether discourse patterns build or systematically erode the trust infrastructure that democracy depends on.
The 5 Indicators
Each indicator is scored 0–4. Click to expand for detailed scoring guidance and examples.
Institutional Trust
Does it accept that democratic institutions have legitimate authority?
Good Faith Attribution
Does it allow that political actors can act in good faith?
Interpersonal Trust
Does it treat fellow citizens as sincere civic participants?
Epistemic Trust
Does it engage genuinely with evidence and expertise?
Anti-Conspiracy
Does it explain events without invoking hidden coordinated malice?