Both trust in, and polarization of trust in, relevant sciences have increased through the COVID-19 pandemic

The central finding was a net increase in reported trust, with 33% reporting increased trust and only 7% reporting decreased trust. This change was not seen in negative controls. Analyses indicated that only age and pre-pandemic level of trust significantly predicted change, with older individuals increasing trust more. Crucially, those with low pre-pandemic trust were more likely to report becoming less trusting, indicating polarization and a potential backfire effect. The study noted that change in trust was predictive of willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Limitations include the reliance on self-assessed change rather than measured change at two timepoints, the exclusive focus on trust in scientists, and the UK-specific sample. The implications suggest that while trust can be increased, uniform approaches to science communication may not be effective and could exacerbate polarization among the already distrustful.