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When Trust in Research Breaks: How Engineered Doubt Unravels Our Sense of What’s Real

PsyberSpace: Understand Your World

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Episode  ·  14:58  ·  Dec 16, 2025

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The Impact of Engineered Doubt on Trust and KnowledgeIn this episode of PsyberSpace™, hosted by Leslie Poston, the focus is on the concept of trust in a rapidly changing world. Leslie digs into how societal trust is being undermined by 'engineered doubt', the deliberate creation of uncertainty by powerful forces that aim to destabilize public confidence in research, expertise, and evidence. The episode discusses the emotional and psychological impacts of this phenomenon on both the general public and researchers, the role of political pressure and misinformation, and how AI technologies amplify the problem. Leslie emphasizes the importance of recognizing these tactics, maintaining awareness, and finding reliable sources to rebuild trust. The episode serves as a guide to understanding the complex dynamics of trust in an age of misinformation and political manipulation.00:00 Introduction to PsyberSpace00:28 The Erosion of Trust in Modern Society02:18 Engineered Doubt: Creating Uncertainty02:47 Political Pressure on Research04:56 The Silence Within the Research Community08:16 The Role of AI in Amplifying Doubt08:52 Health Consequences of Engineered Doubt09:24 The Psychological Impact of Trust Erosion10:15 Researchers Under Siege11:50 The Collective Impact of Engineered Doubt13:15 Finding Anchors in a Sea of Doubt14:20 Conclusion and Call to ActionResearch list will be on the main PsyberSpace™ site tomorrow ★ Support this podcast ★

14m 58s  ·  Dec 16, 2025

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