Tracking Changes in Trustworthiness

Social trust refers to the belief in the honesty and reliability of others. It has increased in Europe since the 16th century, possibly due to a combination of factors such as decreases in violent behavior and increases in religious tolerance and economic growth. Some research has also found that social trust is correlated with an individual's resources and can be impacted by childhood experiences. Cultural artifacts, such as art, can provide insight into people's mental lives and preferences related to social cognitions. Some facial features, like a smiling mouth or wide eyes, are perceived as trustworthy across cultures.