Yet even Reddit can leave scientific findings opaque if information is presented in a dense way not easily accessible for a broad public audience. Most indicated it’s more possible than ever for researchers to participate meaningfully in public debates and contribute to the creation and diffusion of scientific knowledge—but social media presents many pitfalls along the way. Millions of Americans shape their ideas on complex and controversial scientific questions—things like personal genetic testing, genetically modified foods, and use of antibiotics—based on what they see on social media. Kevin Folta places part of the blame for this communication breakdown on the scientists themselves. A recent workshop about Social Media Effects on Scientific Controversies that we convened through the Center for Mobile Communication Studies at Boston University fielded a panel of interdisciplinary experts to discuss their own experiences and research in communicating science online. Even many traditional news organizations and media outlets report incomplete aspects of scientific studies, or misinterpret the findings and highlight unusual claims. Beyond misinformation, hype, and other forms of scienceploitation on social media, there is at least one other serious threat to the effective communication of science online: the lack of civility in online and social media forums. He’s often the subject of hostile personal memes, as are many users who actively participate in the debate of scientific facts on social media. Boston University moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. Commenters aren’t face to face with each other and are able to dissociate from the fact that they’re dealing with other human beings. When news breaks – whether the story of a disease outbreak, a terrorist attack or a natural disaster – people increasingly turn to the internet and social media. Social Science 1, 218; Office Hours: Mondays 10:45-11:45 Course Overview ... Gebelhof’s “The Media is Ruining Science” Groshek & Bronda’s “How Social Media can Distort and Misinform when Communicating Science” November 7th Rebecca & Nethmi’s Day Read: How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science Posted on January 14, 2017 by theokapiblog • Leave a comment Exploitation of an audience’s ignorance allows distortion for the purpose of further exploitation. The goal remains increasing understanding and minimizing potential distortion or oversimplification of scientific findings. Yet even Reddit can leave scientific findings opaque if information is presented in a dense way not easily accessible for a broad public audience. But they’ve become powerful tools for communicating rapidly and without intermediary gatekeepers, like editors. These public scholars examined the extent to which social media has disrupted scientific understanding. Could a Robotic “Backpack” Replace Opioids to Relieve Lower Back Pain? Groshek Jacob (2016) How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science, The Conversation Del Vicario et al. 0. Our team from the Emerging Media Studies division at Boston University presented new findings that indicate social media can perpetuate misinformation about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and may contribute indirectly to the misuse of antibiotics. On the Reddit site, members share links and posts about a myriad of interests, making it essentially an online bulletin board system. Social Media Effects on Scientific Controversies, stem cell clinics market unproven therapies, uncivil comments can increase polarization, National Science Foundation’s Arthur Lupia Talks Scientific Credibility in an Era of Misinformation. Previous post ← How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science. Required fields are marked *, Pioneering Research from Boston University, © Boston University. How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science. These public scholars examined the extent to which social media has disrupted scientific understanding. Kevin Folta places part of the blame for this communication breakdown on the scientists themselves. by Jacob Groshek And Serena Bronda, The Conversation How anti-science ideologies and commercial agendas use the web, and how we should use social media to democratise scientific knowledge. But these short videos, such as the one we developed for our AMR study, as well as interactive online modules, offer ways to reshape information campaigns. How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science. — At our workshop, he reported receiving bomb threats at his home. He’s often the subject of hostile personal memes, as are many users who actively participate in the debate of scientific facts on social media. 528. Individuals use Twitter and Facebook as primary sources for news and information. Scienceploitation is embodied in especially egregious “click-bait” headlines. Psychologist John Suler described ingredients that contribute to what he identifies as the online disinhibition effect. Altogether this forms a rationale for why users tend to become uncivil and aggressively defend content that may not even be accurate. Caulfield’s work has illustrated how social media can be a vehicle for hype that creates insular bubbles of information and online echo chambers. At our workshop, he reported receiving bomb threats at his home. Further, the perceived nasty climate of public opinion in social media spaces may also lead the less outgoing to remain silent rather than enter into a debate where their views may not be treated with respect. This can be to the detriment of science as social media can distort and misinform when communicating about science because it can spread misinformation regarding antibiotic resistance and may indirectly contribute to the misuse of antibiotics (Groshek & Bronda, 2016). By contrast, only a single tweet explicitly mentioned that Howe’s stem cell treatment was unproven. Posting to strangers, anonymously, semi-anonymously, or with pseudo accounts factors in. Increased posting of content to social media reinforces misinformation, and in our study those higher levels of AMR misinformation are shown to increase the likelihood that individuals will misuse antibiotics. Students can find additional information in the Undergraduate Student Guide and Graduate & Professional Student Guide. Jacob Groshek is an assistant professor of emerging media studies in Boston University’s College of Communication. Social media offers a lot of new opportunities in science, from new ways of communicating the products of years of work, to new fields and tools for research. Science communication and social media #media140au. Your email address will not be published. Caulfield’s work has illustrated how social media can be a vehicle for hype that creates insular bubbles of information and online echo chambers. Social media platforms – including Reddit, Wikipedia and other emerging outlets such as Snapchat – are distinct from traditional broadcast and print media. Mediated by screens, online communication can quickly devolve into uncivil discourse. How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science June 30, 2016 5.47am EDT When news breaks – whether the story of a disease outbreak, a terrorist attack or a natural disaster … A vast majority (78.8 percent) of tweets on the topic mentioned improvements to Howe’s health. 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