Trust, Not Truth

Fixing misinformation requires rebuilding public trust in institutions, experts, and norms (e.g., transparent inquiry, academic freedom, and free speech), not only more fact‑checking. Without institutional credibility, corrective information is treated as factional signaling rather than neutral evidence. — This flips common policy focus from 'more fact‑checks' to institutional reforms (transparency, procedural honesty, and speech protections) with implications for public health, elections, and academia.