I think both you and the parent are both probably correct (from a US perspective) to varying degrees. There is less trust in institutions because information is

I think both you and the parent are both probably correct (from a US perspective) to varying degrees. There is less trust in institutions because information is more quickly and widely disseminated. Thus we more often see through attempts at dissembling and manipulation by large institutions (e.g. government, universities, corporations, etc.) that would have been quietly covered up in an earlier age. Simultaneously, some of our institutions are becoming increasingly invested in identity-based politics and more prone to intolerance and silencing dissent which breeds another layer of distrust and resentment.