Misinformation Studies Meets the Raw Milk Renaissance
3 months ago
- #science communication
- #public health
- #misinformation
- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report titled 'Understanding and Addressing Misinformation About Science'.
- The report defines misinformation about science as claims inconsistent with accepted scientific evidence, with disinformation being a subset spread knowingly.
- Misinformation is framed as a systemic issue, influenced by social media, economic incentives, and inequalities in information access.
- The impact of misinformation is noted to produce misbeliefs, but linking these beliefs to behavior is more complex.
- Communication inequalities mean disadvantaged communities face greater exposure to misinformation and less access to accurate information.
- Individual-level interventions like prebunking and media literacy show promise but have modest, short-lived effects.
- Structural solutions, such as supporting newsrooms and platform transparency, lack sufficient evidence due to limited funding for evaluation.
- Community-based organizations (CBOs) are highlighted as key players in addressing local information needs and gaps.
- The report's framing of misinformation is critiqued for overlooking the political and power dynamics behind movements like MAHA.
- The current political climate has seen institutions like the CDC repurposed to spread anti-science narratives, complicating the fight against misinformation.
- The term 'misinformation' is argued to undersell the propaganda-like nature of movements that use false claims to build political power.
- The report is cautious on power politics, not fully addressing smear campaigns against scientists or the strategic delegitimization of expertise.
- Despite advocating for systemic approaches, the report's recommendations lean towards individual and journalistic improvements.
- CBOs and local networks are emphasized as infrastructure for resilience against misinformation, especially in the absence of reliable federal communication.