People deem scientists among the most trustworthy of occupations.

Science skepticism stems from personal beliefs, psychological distance from science, and temporal relevance.

Skepticism is fundamental to science and is built into the scientific method of inquiry.

General public surveys found that 90 percent say they trust science. Digging deeper, 40 percent of those same people surveyed say, “I only believe science that aligns with my personal beliefs.” While most people say they trust science, many are more influenced by personal beliefs. These beliefs are shaped and reinforced by social environments and how close or distant people feel to science (Veckalov et al., 2024).

Psychological closeness to science tends to predict trust. If you have never done a science experiment in school, never read a popular science magazine like Psychology Today or a science article in a journal like Nature, and have never known any scientists in your life, you might see science as a strange, distant, irrelevant pursuit.

Also, most people pay attention to what they feel is personally relevant right now. Science that addresses distant concerns, such as climate science, can be easier for some people to disregard. It helps to show people how science is relevant to their community now (e.g., clean air and water) (Veckalov et al. 2024).

Science Skepticism Has Consequences

On April 21, 2026, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth sent a memo to service members that stated: “Our new policy is simple: If you, an American warrior entrusted to defend this nation, believe that the flu vaccine is in your best interest, then you are free to take it; you should. But we will not force you” (Lopez, 2026).

Less than two months later, a flu outbreak sickened 160 new recruits, leaving one dead only six weeks into his training (Jaffe & Haberman, 2026). Sleeping on bunk beds, exercising, and eating communal meals together........

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