No amount of science education will fix the anti-science movement; what we need is for scientists and educators to cultivate the public’s trust in them. People in marginalised groups are especially prone to distrust science’s intentions and benevolence because of their historical mistreatment at the hands of scientists. Whether you like it or not, how people feel about information depends on how they feel about the messenger. If scientists refuse to acknowledge the history of their field and instead blame marginalised groups for their lack of knowledge, this will work against scientific adoption. 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
Merv
February 1, 2023
