Belief in doctors is dwindling

I was just wondering why so many people would rather believe in what they hear from their neighbors more than doctors would say. They would believe everything they read and see on tv or internet and doubt the doctors whom they consult. There is an increasing mistrust with the medical world. Back in the 19th century, what the doctors say would be taken hook, line and sinker. Today, a second opinion is a must or even a third would be preferred by a patient rather than plunging direct to whatever medication is suggested by the physician. Most of the patients I see either had began self medicating before coming to the clinic or had seen several physicians and did not believe what they said.