I think "trust" is the wrong word I see for how commentators are treated. It's more of a blind faith.
I can think very specifically of an example where a political commentator, in private, said what they were publicly saying was crazy garbage. When I brought that up to my parents, it did not change their view of him. Effectively the response was "Well, all commentators lie" and they continued following him.
At least in my case, I think this is mainly a religion thing. I grew up mormon and one quote that sticks in my mind is the following:
> When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done. When they propose a plan–it is God’s plan. When they point the way, there is no other which is safe. When they give direction, it should mark the end of controversy. God works in no other way. To think otherwise, without immediate repentance, may cost one his faith, may destroy his testimony, and leave him a stranger to the kingdom of God.
I've seen this sort of mentality extend in non-religious contexts. Basically "Well, don't you think X would have already thought about Y? Why are you questioning?"
I can think very specifically of an example where a political commentator, in private, said what they were publicly saying was crazy garbage. When I brought that up to my parents, it did not change their view of him. Effectively the response was "Well, all commentators lie" and they continued following him.
At least in my case, I think this is mainly a religion thing. I grew up mormon and one quote that sticks in my mind is the following:
> When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done. When they propose a plan–it is God’s plan. When they point the way, there is no other which is safe. When they give direction, it should mark the end of controversy. God works in no other way. To think otherwise, without immediate repentance, may cost one his faith, may destroy his testimony, and leave him a stranger to the kingdom of God.
I've seen this sort of mentality extend in non-religious contexts. Basically "Well, don't you think X would have already thought about Y? Why are you questioning?"