The Trust Crisis: Collisions in Technology, Media, and Policy

As technology has become central to the flow of information, it has simultaneously fragmented public discourse, eroded trust in institutions, and fueled polarization—particularly during times of crisis such as the 2008 Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and 2024 U.S. elections. This Capstone examined how technology, particularly AI, has exacerbated divisions and investigates whether it can be harnessed to rebuild trust in an increasingly complex technological ecosystem. By analyzing the impact of the three crises as well as the ongoing impact of AI, the Capstone team explained how technology has contributed to the spread of false information and widening social divides. 

The research culminates in creative solutions to improve information ecosystem and technological advancements for good. The team takes an interdisciplinary approach, considering the interaction of media, policy, and technology in shaping the nature and trajectory of the crisis, and the solutions that meet this political and technological moment. The report first provides an overview of the crisis, outlining dominant narratives and inflection points within the crisis and how public trust in institutions was undermined. Then, they assessed regulatory, legal, technological, and economic approaches that can promote the spread of evidence-based information while preventing the spread of harmful content. The project concluded with actionable solutions for the Ford Foundation to foster a more inclusive, transparent, and trustworthy information environment in the private sector.