In this episode of Work Is Weird Now, we’re joined by Deborah Cohen, journalist, doctor and author of the new book Bad Influence: How the Internet Hijacked Our Health.

We explore why trust in institutions is eroding and why people are increasingly turning to influencers, algorithms and online narratives over qualified experts.

Drawing on examples from healthcare, leadership and workplace culture, Deb unpacks what really breaks trust, from not feeling heard, to overclaiming certainty, to surrounding yourself with yes-people. We also dig into parasocial relationships, the risks of “empathetic” AI, and why honesty about uncertainty is one of the hardest but most powerful leadership moves.

This episode is for anyone leading, managing or working in a low-trust environment and wondering how we rebuild credibility when certainty is no longer an option.