Traumaland: The Polish Culture of Distrust and Overcoming It

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the phenomenon of 'Traumaland,' defined as a culture of distrust specific to Polish society. Drawing on Niklas Luhmann's concepts, the authors explain how a deficit of trust in public institutions and science hinders the reduction of social complexity, particularly in times of crises such as the pandemic. The text examines the influence of media, filter bubbles, and conspiracy theories on the perception of reality, leading to the phenomenon of cognitive closure. The mechanisms of compensatory control and secondary traumatization that shape Polish social capital are identified. A key element of the study is the presentation of practical strategies for overcoming this state through memory engineering, media education, and strengthening information resilience. This is essential reading for those seeking to understand the psychological and sociological foundations of contemporary social divisions in Poland.