Why trust in institutions matters for a healthy democracy

In any democracy, strong and impartial institutions are the foundation of trust and fairness. They ensure fairness, justice, and order. Without trust in these institutions, society faces chaos and violence becomes the new normal. Perception has started predominately creating narratives around Institutions.

In India, the world’s largest democracy, this trust is under threat. It has become common for politicians, media, and even ordinary people to criticize and demean key institutions just to score political points or gain power. This short-term tactic might help some win elections or grab attention, but in the long run, it weakens the very foundation of our democratic values. Almost each decision of SC is commented upon/criticised by people who do not even have basic understanding of law.  As we see rising polarization on social media over small issues, it’s time to reflect on how this trend is harming our nation. 

Institutions like the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Supreme Court, the police, and the army are meant to be neutral guardians of our rights and freedoms. They operate based on the Constitution, not on the whims of any party or individual. Yet, in recent years, attacking these bodies has turned into a fashion. The ECI, which oversees free and fair elections, is often accused of bias without solid proof. Similarly, Supreme Court rulings are ridiculed on TV debates and online platforms. Judges are mocked, and their verdicts are twisted to fit political narratives. This not only erodes public confidence but also discourages honest officials from doing their jobs fearlessly.

Social media has made things worse. Platforms like X, Facebook and WhatsApp amplify voices quickly, but often without verifying facts. A small incident can spark massive outrage, dividing people along lines of religion, caste or politics. We see ‘infiltrators’ being glorified in some circles, while lawbreakers who incite violence or threaten others’ lives and liberties face little consequence. Speeches that call for extreme actions, which could violate fundamental rights, go unchecked. Instead of legal action, such people sometimes gain followers and fame. This sends a dangerous message- breaking the law is okay if it fits a popular narrative.

Even our leaders and constitutional authorities are not spared. People take pride in abusing the President, the Prime Minister, or the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Jokes about police officers and the army flood timelines, turning serious roles into punchlines. Abusive words have become so common that they feel like a dopamine kick – that quick rush of excitement from likes and shares. Social media algorithms reward controversy, pushing divisive content to the top. As a result, meaningful discussions get buried. Hardly anyone talks about real development issues anymore. Roads full of potholes, deadly accidents on the highways, traffic chaos in cities – these affect millions daily, but they rarely trend. Vacancies in police stations leave law enforcement understaffed, leading to delays in justice. Corruption in municipalities drains public funds, yet it’s overshadowed by sensational scandals.

This shift reflects a deeper problem: a decline in values and morality in society. We have forgotten the responsibilities outlined in our Constitution. Fundamental duties, like respecting the ideals of the freedom struggle, protecting the environment, and promoting harmony. But how often do we discuss these? Basic human morality – honesty, empathy, and civic duty – is fading. Young people are influenced by viral videos that glorify shortcuts and aggression, rather than hard work and unity. Parents and schools rarely emphasize patriotism beyond flag-hoisting on Independence Day. Leaders, too, focus on blame games instead of inspiring citizens to contribute to the nation.

Some people may ask, does this really matter so much? Yes, it will. A healthy democracy thrives on trust. When people lose faith in institutions, they turn to vigilante justice or extreme ideologies. History shows that weakened democracies often slide into chaos or authoritarianism. In India, with its diverse population, this polarization could lead to more conflicts. We saw glimpses during recent elections, where fake news and deepfakes manipulated voters. If we continue demeaning institutions, future generations might inherit a fractured society where might makes right, not the rule of law.

Yet, hope remains. Change starts with collective effort. Political discourse should focus on policies, not scapegoating institutions. They should debate policies, not attack referees. Media houses need to prioritize facts over ratings­ – report on development, like building more police stations or reducing highway deaths, instead of endless political drama. Social media users should think before sharing; is this post uniting or dividing? Schools and colleges can teach civic duties early, making them part of everyday life.

Citizens have all the power. Vote for the leaders who respect institutions. Call out abuse online, and support those who speak of unity and progress. Civil society groups can organize discussions on morality and responsibilities, reminding us that democracy is not just about rights but also duties. 

Our democracy is resilient because of we people. By valuing our institutions and focusing on real issues, we can strengthen it. Let’s move away from the dopamine highs of division and towards the steady work of building a better nation. By rebuilding trust and focusing on shared progress, we can safeguard it for future generations. Preserving faith in institutions is not just essential – it’s our shared responsibility.

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