Change the medium, change the message: creativity is key to battle misinformation

Area of Science:

• Science Communication
• Public Understanding of Science
• Pseudoscience Studies

Background:

• Current science communication primarily uses academic journals, limiting discovery impact to scientists.
• Nonexperts often rely on unreliable media for scientific information, facilitating misinformation.
• Pseudoscience thrives in accessible media, outcompeting accurate scientific information.

Discussion:

• Reconceptualizing science literacy as a lifelong process is crucial for scientists and educators.
• Adopting mainstream media forms can increase scientific literature accessibility to the public.
• Expanding access to informal science education (ISE) opportunities is vital.

Key Insights:

• Increased accessibility of scientific literature via mainstream media can decrease pseudoscience proliferation.
• Integrating informal science communication into undergraduate education is recommended.
• Bridging formal and informal science learning enhances overall science literacy.

Outlook:

• Future efforts should focus on implementing recommendations to improve science communication strategies.
• Continued research into effective science communication methods is necessary.
• Fostering greater accountability in science communication will benefit public understanding.