Trust is a behavior, not a credential – and that explains the Rodgers-Fauci divide

Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers recently criticized Dr. Anthony Fauci, calling him an "absolute coward" and a "criminal" following the doctor's testimony at a congressional hearing. Rodgers' comments came after Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment rights in response to questions about his role in the government's pandemic response. The doctor's refusal to answer 100+ questions has likely not helped public trust, even if it's legally valid.

Public figures, especially athletes and influencers, often have more opportunities to build rapport with audiences than experts, who primarily engage with the public through formal settings like congressional hearings and press briefings. This increased rapport-building is especially important, as Americans have shown decreasing trust in experts overall.

Trust research helps explain why someone might listen to a football player's opinion on a matter once led by a former head of the National Institutes of Health. However, these trust surveys don't delve into deeper discussions about what makes people willing to trust others.

Trust researchers often distinguish between trust behaviors and trustworthiness beliefs. Trust behaviors involve making oneself vulnerable to someone else, such as choosing to follow a doctor's medical advice. These behaviors are numerous and varied, ranging from trusting automakers and mechanics to following expert advice in healthcare and civic decisions.

Trustworthiness beliefs, on the other hand, involve the perception of an individual's honesty, morality, and goodwill. While expertise beliefs are important, they alone don't guarantee trust. For example, Dr. Fauci's relationship with public trust became a significant issue during the COVID-19 pandemic, as some researchers argued that his behavior and communication could be improved to better build trust.