Like. 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. Science communication and social media #media140au. In these spaces, ideas and misinformation can readily be reinforced because of the lack of diverse viewpoints and critiquing of ideas. How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science 30 June 2016, by Jacob Groshek And Serena Bronda Shouting past each other online doesn’t help. She told our workshop that the social media platform Reddit is the greatest opportunity for scientists to accurately get the word out to the public about their research. These public scholars examined the extent to which social media has disrupted scientific understanding. 0. Facebook. Profile, Serena Bronda (COM’17) 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. Science Communication in the Age of Social Media 6th April 2017 April Lo & Orlando de Lange Social Media allows scientists to share their science with more people than ever (Graph - Bik & Goldstein, 2013) It allows us to root out misinformation right out the source, climbing down from our ivory towers. How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science: 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. For example, he analyzed Twitter users’ reactions to the (now deceased) former professional hockey player Gordie Howe receiving stem cell treatments in Mexico after a stroke. 126-129. Myles Allen, Kaya Axelsson, Sam Fankhauser & Steve Smith in conversation, The Large Hadron Collider and the Hidden Universe, Aston Talks: Assistive technologies for people with impaired mobility - online public lecture by Professor William Holderbaum, Online talk: Prof Sir Andy Haines and Prof Chris Dye in Conversation: "Building back healthier: climate change, health and the recovery from Covid-19". Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Online, Oxfordshire, The Large Hadron Collider and the Hidden Universe How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science - disinformation David Shankbone WikiMedia BY CC 3.0. The non-existence of regulating laws for social media along with non-application of Section 126 and other Sections of the Representation of the Peoples Act 1951 can result in abuse and misuse of social media. How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science Jacob Groshek, Boston University and Serena Bronda, Boston University. Piper Below, an epidemiologist from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, is a proponent of scientists productively engaging online. How anti-science ideologies and commercial agendas use the web, and how we should use social media to democratise scientific knowledge. The problem is that social media is also a great way to spread misinformation, too. Experts agree on the negative effects social media drive on global information and therefore intelligence. Once these items enter into the social media echo chamber, they’re amplified. Your email address will not be published. Kevin Folta from the University of Florida, one of the more visible and prominent scientists in the field of genetically modified food, has had similar and even more extreme experiences. Banning Trump from Social Media Makes Sense. Our finding follows previous studies of online rumors: people are more likely to believe political rumors and share them with others when they’re received via email from friends or family. Equally dangerously, though, social-media activism has the potential not only to distort public understanding of these critical issues but also to disrupt governmental support and policy regulations. 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. Getting to the root cause of why the discourse devolves so quickly online is difficult. by Jacob Groshek And Serena Bronda, The Conversation 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. I tried to engage Keith Olbermann and start talking [on Twitter], and what does he do? Some scientists and agencies are pursuing new modes of communication, such as brief scientific animations to summarize and share research. Social media has been transformative in how it has democratized communication. Social media has been transformative in how it has democratized communication. — Traditional media exposure, it seems, can be a source of AMR misinformation. 0. ... 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. Eventually, such misuse increases antimicrobial resistance, which makes it harder for us to treat illnesses and may give rise to superbugs. How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science Posted on August 11, 2016 December 7, 2016 by Mr. Lakhaney Interesting article about how … Scienceploitation is embodied in especially egregious “click-bait” headlines. Online talk: Net zero – why and how? She told our workshop that the social media platform Reddit is the greatest opportunity for scientists to accurately get the word out to the public about their research. A vast majority (78.8 percent) of tweets on the topic mentioned improvements to Howe’s health. He blocks me. Our finding follows previous studies of online rumors: people are more likely to believe political rumors and share them with others when they’re received via email from friends or family. I tried to engage Keith Olbermann and start talking [on Twitter], and what does he do? Equally dangerously, though, social-media activism has the potential not only to distort public understanding of these critical issues but also to disrupt governmental support and policy regulations. In another study, we found that civility and politeness decrease when users post comments to social media from mobile devices—… On the Reddit site, members share links and posts about a myriad of interests, making it essentially an online bulletin board system. The goal remains increasing understanding and minimizing potential distortion or oversimplification of scientific findings. 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. 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 … The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. 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. ... 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. Online collaboration: Scientists and the social network. How Social Media Can Distort and Misinform When Communicating Science June 30, 2016: Be the first to like. In a nationwide survey, we found that the more frequently respondents reported posting and sharing any information online to social media, they were increasingly likely to be highly misinformed about AMR. On social media it’s easy to find information that scares you and scientists are not participating in trying to make it right. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Their opinion exchange became contentious after Olbermann hosted on his ESPN television show the owner of the clinic Gordie Howe visited. In these spaces, ideas and misinformation can readily be reinforced because of the lack of diverse viewpoints and critiquing of ideas. Individuals use Twitter and Facebook as primary sources for news and information. These public scholars examined the extent to which social media has disrupted scientific understanding. He stated that among researchers: There is a disconnected arrogance that turns off the public and does not get them excited about learning more. ... and social media can … When Did Tom Brady, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kylie Jenner Become Our Doctors? — Kevin Folta places part of the blame for this communication breakdown on the scientists themselves. 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. 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. Yet even Reddit can leave scientific findings opaque if information is presented in a dense way not easily accessible for a broad public audience. Many scientists already use social media to some extent to communicate with their colleagues, but generally do not engage the public or media. The facts become lost in the shuffle of competing information, limited attention or both. 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. N/A, Oxfordshire, Copyright © 2010–2021, The Conversation Trust (UK) Limited. 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. Through Ask Me Anything (AMA) posts – basically a crowd-sourced interview – users submit questions directly to scientists who moderate the discussions and provide detailed answers. Once these items enter into the social media echo chamber, they’re amplified. But it’s a double-edged sword: social media allows scientists to correct misinformation by communicating their findings with public audiences to promote an understanding of complex issues. Required fields are marked *, Pioneering Research from Boston University, © Boston University. Students can find additional information in the Undergraduate Student Guide and Graduate & Professional Student Guide. 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. Portsmouth, Hampshire, Aston Talks: Assistive technologies for people with impaired mobility - online public lecture by Professor William Holderbaum Yet even Reddit can leave scientific findings opaque if information is presented in a dense way not easily accessible for a broad public audience. By contrast, only a single tweet explicitly mentioned that Howe’s stem cell treatment was unproven. When taken together, our findings suggest there may be a misinformation cycle taking shape. Psychologist John Suler described ingredients that contribute to what he identifies as the online disinhibition effect. How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science. Just three tweets out of 2,783 warned that direct-to-consumer stem cell treatments lack the robust body of scientific evidence required for FDA approval. By Phehello. We also found traditional media use – watching television, listening to talk radio, reading newspapers – was also related to higher levels of AMR misinformation. At its worse, this cycle can turn social media into a kind of confirmation bias machine, one perfectly tailored for the spread of misinformation. — A vast majority (78.8 percent) of tweets on the topic mentioned improvements to Howe’s health. Getting to the root cause of why the discourse devolves so quickly online is difficult. Through Ask Me Anything (AMA) posts—basically a crowd-sourced interview—users submit questions directly to scientists who moderate the discussions and provide detailed answers. Van Noorden, Richard. Modern science is predicated on the principle that explanations of natural phenomena can not be attributed to agency or “will.” But this is a matter of faith. 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. Social media platforms—including Reddit, Wikipedia, and other emerging outlets such as Snapchat—are distinct from traditional broadcast and print media. Angela Saini - Race, Gender and Power Kevin Folta from the University of Florida, one of the more visible and prominent scientists in the field of genetically modified food, has had similar and even more extreme experiences. 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. Social media and the internet are a conduit of bad information. Affective and social political polarization—a dislike of political opponents and a desire to avoid their company—are increasingly salient and pervasive features of politics in many Western democracies, particularly the United States. Assistant Professor, Emerging Media Studies, Boston University, Master's Student in Emerging Media Studies, Boston University. Even many traditional news organizations and media outlets report incomplete aspects of scientific studies, or misinterpret the findings and highlight unusual claims. Their opinion exchange became contentious after Olbermann hosted on his ESPN television show the owner of the clinic Gordie Howe visited. Traditional media exposure, it seems, can be a source of AMR misinformation. Mediated by screens, online communication can quickly devolve into uncivil discourse. Another panelist was University of Alberta law and public health professor Tim Caulfield, who actively works to diminish the phenomenon he calls “scienceploitation.” He defines the term as when media reporting takes a legitimate area of science and inaccurately simplifies it for the general public. Exposure to uncivil comments can increase polarization among users, particularly related to science topics, such as nanotechnology, and perceptions of risk. The evident media shift presents the news industry with opportunities and challenges, where social media has become a significant communication and news-breaking tool (Alejandro, 2010:10). A recent analysis of the internet and social media illustrates the up-hill battle science and health professionals, and pro-science lay people, often face with misinformation and outright distortion of science. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Could a Robotic “Backpack” Replace Opioids to Relieve Lower Back Pain? Boston University moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. The Conversation UK receives funding from these organisations. There was no critical reflection at all…. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Pinterest. At our workshop, he reported receiving bomb threats at his home. 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). 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. Think the Huffington Post erroneously equating a glass of red wine to an hour at the gym, or the viral hoax study that linked eating chocolate with losing weight. According to Caulfield: It was outraging—a 15-minute advertisement for this clinic in Mexico. Moderators are staffed during regular business hours (EST) and can only accept comments written in English. Previous post ← How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science. Kevin Folta places part of the blame for this communication breakdown on the scientists themselves. But Beware the Downside, Protective Filter Defends Images and Video against Deepfake Manipulation, COVID Vaccines Arrive at BU: Everything You Need to Know, How Coronavirus Damages Lung Cells within Mere Hours. Profile. In another study, we found that civility and politeness decrease when users post comments to social media from mobile devices – a growing issue as more and more people access social media this way. Visit Back2BU for the latest updates and information on BU's response to COVID-19. Megaphones image via www.shutterstock.com. Together these factors suggest a trend that is hard to break, even when scientists directly and actively engage with the public through social media. Even many traditional news organizations and media outlets report incomplete aspects of scientific studies, or misinterpret the findings and highlight unusual claims. Caulfield’s work has illustrated how social media can be a vehicle for hype that creates insular bubbles of information and online echo chambers. — Jacob Groshek Together these factors suggest a trend that is hard to break, even when scientists directly and actively engage with the public through social media. Exposure to uncivil comments can increase polarization among users, particularly related to science topics, such as nanotechnology, and perceptions of risk. 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: On a personal level, Caulfield noted his experience with sports commentator Keith Olbermann on Twitter. Scienceploitation is embodied in especially egregious “click-bait” headlines. 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Below, also a science moderator on the site, pointed out that Reddit Science, with more than 11 million subscribers, provides “the largest audience scientists would ever get in their entire career.”. The problem is that social media is also a great way to spread misinformation, too. Read more: “How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science“, Jakob Groshek and Serena Bronda, The Conversation. But it’s a double-edged sword: social media allows scientists to correct misinformation by communicating their findings with public audiences to promote an understanding of complex issues. Exposure to uncivil comments can increase polarization among users, particularly related to science topics, such as nanotechnology, and perceptions of risk. ... How to manage when the web is used to distort, misinform and distribute propaganda. 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. On social media it’s easy to find information that scares you and scientists are not participating in trying to make it right. Birmingham, Warwickshire, Online talk: Net zero – why and how? On a personal level, Caulfield noted his experience with sports commentator Keith Olbermann on Twitter. — 528. The goal remains increasing understanding and minimizing potential distortion or oversimplification of scientific findings. In another study, we found that civility and politeness decrease when users post comments to social media from mobile devices—a growing issue as more and more people access social media this way. Social media platforms – including Reddit, Wikipedia and other emerging outlets such as Snapchat – are distinct from traditional broadcast and print media. There was no critical reflection at all…. How Social Media Can Distort and Misinform When Communicating Science By: Jacob Groshek and Serena Bronda , Posted on: July 22, 2016 Shouting past each other online doesn’t help. Abusive, profane, self-promotional, misleading, incoherent or off-topic comments will be rejected. Jacob Groshek is an assistant professor of emerging media studies in Boston University’s College of Communication. The facts become lost in the shuffle of competing information, limited attention, or both. Some scientists and agencies are pursuing new modes of communication, such as brief scientific animations to summarize and share research. Jul 1, 2016. In my new job in the LSU College of Science, where I started as a science communication specialist in July 2016, I've been creating and strategizing a LOT for social media.Since July, I've helped create and maintain a new science blog and Instagram account for the College. 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. For example, he analyzed Twitter users’ reactions to the (now deceased) former professional hockey player Gordie Howe receiving stem cell treatments in Mexico after a stroke. In a nationwide survey, we found that the more frequently respondents reported posting and sharing any information online to social media, they were increasingly likely to be highly misinformed about AMR. How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science Loop News Created : 24 July 2017 Tech www.bu.edu. How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science. 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. All rights reserved. Posting to strangers, anonymously, semi-anonymously, or with pseudo accounts factors in. He stated that among researchers: There is a disconnected arrogance that turns off the public and does not get them excited about learning more. 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). The spreading of misinformation online. 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. Best practices for political campaigns:-• Fact check by social media influencers prior to publishing • Engaging voters with live videos How social media can distort and misinform when communicating science ... at Boston University fielded a panel of interdisciplinary experts to discuss their own experiences and research in communicating science online. Below, also a science moderator on the site, pointed out that Reddit Science, with more than 11 million subscribers, provides “the largest audience scientists would ever get in their entire career.”. ( EST ) and can only accept comments written in English been transformative in how it has communication., Caulfield noted his experience with sports commentator Keith Olbermann on Twitter ], and Kylie Jenner become our?... 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