Blamed for mass murder, hailed as messiah: A content analysis of e-mails to high-profile scientific experts during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract This article investigates beliefs contributing to public mistrust in science during the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium. Through a qualitative analysis of a sample of (highly) critical e-mails from 25 citizens to two prominent Belgian scientific experts (N = 924), it uncovers recurring themes tied to mistrust dynamics. Three theoretical perspectives–biopolitics, scientism, and New Age spirituality–are explored. Within the biopolitical framework, concerns emerge about increased government control, perceived undemocratic governance, and expert interference in decision making. In the realm of scientism, themes of scientific uncertainty, expert dissensus, and suspicions of hidden agendas surface. The analysis also uncovers traces of New Age spirituality, encompassing spirituality and connection, conflicts between natural immunity and vaccines, and the influence of conspiracy beliefs. In summary, this study offers vital insights into the intricate dynamics of trust during the pandemic, shedding light on the multifaceted reasons behind public mistrust in science in Belgium.