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this post was submitted on 20 Nov 2023
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Vaccination rates are dropping in the UK too, and that isn't accounted for by a distrust of big pharma or the government - because people trust the NHS.
I think stupid people were always stupid. This isn't that wise people are becoming stupid. They were always stupid - unable to form opinions of their own, in the past they did what authoritative voices locally told them to do (ie, doctors). Now they do what the loud people on the internet tell them to do.
People's belief in what's on the internet (conspiracy theories) naturally implies their distrust in the NHS' words, since both are contradictory. I still believe that mistrust is a major driver here.
However, you're right that the internet may be swaying public opinion of those who are indecisive. The rise of the internet may be partially responsible for the rise of mistrust and antivax sentiments.
Given that people do largely trust the NHS on other matters, I don't think it's a general distrust of the NHS. They're not refusing other medical care. They're just easily led by the loudest voices.