the real problem you seem to be describing is a lack of faith or trust in the institutions, rather than the silence. if we had faith and/or trust in institution X, Y or Z then the silence wouldn’t be a problem.
in my experience; speculation fuels distrust, which fuels more speculation, which leads to a spiral.
similar thing as gossip. why would i trust you when you’ve been gossiping with me about our mutual friend? then i go off and gossip about you gossiping to my other friend etc.
loose lips sink ships — the things we say have consequences.