Trust and deception fundamentally shape our interactions and have measurable impacts on both individuals and society. Financial scams against the elderly represent devastating examples of exploitation, with perpetrators meticulously building trust before targeting victims who spent lifetimes building retirement savings.
• Elderly individuals are targeted in about 60% of financial scams, losing an estimated $3 billion annually
• Many victims never report these crimes due to shame or fear
• Societies with high levels of trust have GDP growth rates about 12% higher than low-trust societies
• Small acts of dishonesty can rewire our brains, making future deception easier
• By 2025, nearly 90% of online content could be synthetically generated
• Communities with high trust levels show greater resilience, better health outcomes, and higher innovation rates
• People who consistently practice honesty report higher life satisfaction and better relationships
Every time we choose truth over deception, we're helping build a better, more trustworthy world for everyone.
Proverbs 6:16-17
Genesis 5:2