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Truth Decay Research and Commentary

In an effort to learn more about Truth Decay and how to mitigate it, RAND researchers explore a wide range of topics—from how disinformation spreads online, to the trust that Americans place in democratic institutions, to the challenges facing schools and teachers.

Understanding the Threat of Truth Decay

Research

Declining Trust in Facts and Institutions Imposes Costs on Society
“Truth Decay” is the diminishing reliance on facts and analysis in American public life. It has many damaging consequences: the erosion of civil discourse, political paralysis, alienation and disengagement from political and civic institutions, and uncertainty over U.S. policy.
Jan 16, 2018

Disinformation

Research

Russia and China: Superspreaders of Malign and Subversive Information on COVID-19
Both Russia and China targeted Americans with malign and subversive information campaigns related to the pandemic. What can these campaigns teach us about future information operations from Moscow and Beijing?
Apr 29, 2021

Research

How Reasoning and Cognitive Biases Affect the Ability to Resist Truth Decay
Truth Decay is the diminishing role of facts in American public life. What role do human reasoning processes and cognitive biases play in this phenomenon? And how can these factors affect an individual's resistance or susceptibility to Truth Decay?
Mar 29, 2022

Civic Institutions and Democracy

Expert Insights

Truth Decay and National Security
Truth Decay—the declining role of facts in American public life—creates national security vulnerabilities, including by making the United States more susceptible to foreign influence. What can be done to mitigate such risks?
Apr 12, 2023

Education

Research

Defining and Measuring Civic Infrastructure
Is the United States in a civic crisis? Or is American democracy simply evolving? A framework for defining and measuring civic infrastructure can help answer these questions—and preserve a healthy democracy.
Nov 30, 2022