Scientific papers have never been as quickly disseminated as they are today, which is a double-edged sword. While the public finds out about new studies within a few days of publication, it also means that misinformation and poor-quality research reaches the masses at a breakneck pace. The latter is a problem because there is a stigma around research correction that prevents experts from revising studies without negative effects on their careers or throwing away tempting benefits from ignoring their errors. Read full article here
Research
Improving media literacy could boost trust towards the news, IMPRESS report suggests
The UK media is regulated by the likes of IPSO and Ofcom. The report by press regulator IMPRESS highlights the link between low levels of media literacy and trust in the news. The study found that three quarters of those who did not know if journalists were regulated did not trust the news. It suggests that improving media literacy is one way to stem the erosion of trust, and shows that audiences have an appetite for information on news processes. Stakeholders need to collaborate in order to rebuild trust in the news, and independent media is well placed to do this. Read full article here