Trust, Privacy, and Transparency

Recently, organizations have observed a return to increasingly localized (e.g., “glocal”) and individually defined networks of consumption [4, Edelman]. Rather than relying on large organizations or global media, consumer trust is increasingly built from personal connections, community interactions, and shared interests, echoing both familial and neighbourly values. This is observable in the rise of niche online communities and “micro-influencers,” where smaller creators can be perceived as more authentic and trusted by followers [5, HBR]. This shift potentially represents a more “bottom-up” production of trust that originates from personal needs and interests rather than broad institutional affiliations and symbols. It’s clear that the dynamics of trust have changed.