In the organizer's words:

Why are people today more likely to believe some self-appointed experts from the internet who spread crude theories than experts with verifiable qualifications? How can we explain the loss of trust in central social institutions such as the press and academia - and what does this mean for our democracy? Based on his book Misstrauensgemeinschaften, sociologist Aladin El-Mafaalani talks to Giovanni di Lorenzo, editor-in-chief of DIE ZEIT, about the causes and consequences of a profound social change. They discuss why mistrust can develop such a strong social force, how trust can be regained - and what the media and science must do to remain credible. A conversation about polarization, enlightenment and the question of how much doubt a society can withstand. Moderator: Sarah Brasack