Never before have we seen the importance of science communication as we do now; as Covid-19 misinformation is rampant in social networks, creating public distrust against containment measures and putting peoples lives in danger.

What it is all about

Why SciCom?

For researchers, the scientific consensus within their field of expertise is well-established and clear.

However, laypeople without the necessary background knowledge may struggle to discern accurate information from misleading sources.

The pervasiveness of "fake news" on social media platforms can create a distorted view on scientific topics, leading to long-lasting consequences.

The Challenge of Social Media

Quality control on social media platforms is limited, and posts are shared rapidly. Overexaggerated and sensationalist headlines that lack nuance are especially prone to going viral.

Frequently, these viral social media posts assume a scientific guise, such as misrepresented research papers or pseudo-experts who defy the scientific consensus and disseminate misinformation.

These misleading posts can distort public perceptions of scientific consensus, creating the illusion that there is no consensus or suggesting that minority outlier opinions represent the majority view among scientists.

Where it is Happening

Numerous instances illustrate this phenomenon, with the most recent and glaring example being the misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and its vaccines. In several countries, thousands protested against government measures as conspiracy theories proliferated on social networks.

Other examples where the scientific consensus is often misrepresented are climate change, GMOs, and alternative medicine.

When scientific opinions are misrepresented in politics, the consequences can be particularly dire.

The Danger

Misguided beliefs can sway decision-makers in politics, shaping policies with potentially disastrous consequences. The ongoing debates and little action on climate change exemplify this danger.

Now more than ever, scientists must provide the public with access to their expert opinions, fostering a comprehensive understanding of scientific consensus and reducing susceptibility to fake news.

The Solution

SciCom is a network of volunteers dedicated to quantifying scientific opinions swiftly and providing reliable overviews of controversial topics.

By distributing short surveys to participating universities and aggregating the results, SciCom accurately represents the scientific consensus, preventing its misuse as fake news on social media or in politics.

Learn more about partnering with SciCom as a university or explore further information for interested individuals.

The Importance of Science Communication