What do you believe is the primary cause of poor science coverage in the media? (select the top 2 answers)

Answer Explanations

• Lack of scientific literacy among journalists Other (please specify)

  user-885754
  The media's inadequate coverage of scientific topics stems primarily from commercial pressures and journalists' lack of scientific literacy. Media organizations often prioritize attention-grabbing stories to boost readership and ad revenue, leading to the distortion or misrepresentation of scientific discoveries. This sensationalism arises from the fierce competition for audience engagement and frequently comes at the expense of precision and context. Furthermore, many journalists do not possess the requisite scientific knowledge to effectively comprehend and report on intricate scientific research, resulting in oversimplification or miscommunication of the data. These factors create a cycle in which media coverage favors sensationalism over factual reporting, further perpetuating public misconceptions about science. Additionally, preliminary research findings are, at times, prematurely highlighted without adequate peer review, contributing to the dissemination of misinformation. Rectifying these issues will necessitate enhancing the scientific literacy of journalists and cultivating a media landscape that prioritizes accuracy over sensationalism.
• Lack of scientific literacy among journalists Complexity of scientific topics

  user-864887
  In my opinion, media coverage in science should be driven by writers recruited among practicing scientists and not among generally trained journalists.
• Pressure for sensational headlines Complexity of scientific topics

  user-557043
  The media is motivated to get readers or viewers so the significance of scientific discoveries is often exxagerated, especially when the science is very complex or poorly understood.
• Pressure for sensational headlines Bias of scientific writers

  user-270255
  News sells, and everyone has their own bias whether they know it or not.
• Lack of scientific literacy among journalists Other (please specify)

  user-606148
  Scientists almost never write their own press releases for their studies, and when they do, it shows little or no media training.  Is it any wonder that our work is misinterpreted and misused?
• Lack of scientific literacy among journalists

  user-755272
  Most journalists unlike sports are not trained and well oriented in reporting health issues and dissemination of results from a study.
• Lack of scientific literacy among journalists Pressure for sensational headlines

  user-967592
  Less importance of science in comparison to other sensational topics
• Lack of scientific literacy among journalists Pressure for sensational headlines

  user-103792
  I'd also add  "time constraints in news cycles". The lack of time to do adequate research, often imposed by the editorial staff on those who write the articles, can significantly contribute to the circulation of partial, incorrect and counterproductive information on complex problems.
• Pressure for sensational headlines Other (please specify)

  user-350867
  University and journal press releases are a big problem.  The overexaggerate both risks and benefits.
• Lack of scientific literacy among journalists Pressure for sensational headlines

  user-52919
  In order to increase their reach, and competition with the other leading press.
• Lack of scientific literacy among journalists

  user-6829
  Most Journalists are not from the science field hence their knowledge of topics is limited which result in them communicate from a place of little understanding. 
• Lack of scientific literacy among journalists Pressure for sensational headlines

  user-743452
   Lack of scientific literacy among journalists: Many journalists may not have the necessary background or understanding to accurately interpret and communicate scientific studies. This lack of expertise can lead to misinterpretation of data, oversimplification of complex topics, and reliance on sensational aspects of a study rather than its nuanced findings. Without a solid grasp of scientific principles and methodologies, journalists might inadvertently spread misinformation.
  
  

  Pressure for sensational headlines: Media outlets often prioritize attention-grabbing headlines to attract readers and increase viewership. This pressure can lead to the exaggeration of study results, focusing on the most dramatic aspects rather than providing a balanced and accurate account. Sensationalism can distort the public’s understanding of the research, emphasizing either the benefits or risks disproportionately, which contributes to misinformation and public distrust in science.
  
  

  These two factors together create a problematic environment for science reporting, where the need for speed and sensational content outweighs the commitment to accuracy and depth in scientific communication. 
• Other (please specify)

  user-246431
  general lack of professionalism among journalists
• Lack of scientific literacy among journalists Bias of scientific writers

  user-895401
  Journalists always tend towards exciting topics to attract more views, which scientific issues do not provide, regardless of their importance.
• Lack of scientific literacy among journalists

  user-532952
  If they dont understand the science someone else should write the review.
• Pressure for sensational headlines

  user-830315
  as stated above, more attention is given to the 5 minutes fame rather than the actual exact informtion
• Other (please specify)

  user-887652
  All of the problems you list are in play, but you broadly missed the fact that scientists and institutions willingly play along when it's seen as being in their interest to do so. Follow the money.
  
  The entire culture of scientific honors and prizes exists only to promote those who give the awards (professional societies, endowments, NGOs, etc), by publicly associating themselves with things they didn't do. 
  
  Delete the concept of "prestige" from science practice and you'll make a lot of headway toward better science coverage; possibly toward better science.
• Complexity of scientific topics Other (please specify)

  user-49719
  The self-interest of corporations and universities to promote themselves and their products.
• Complexity of scientific topics Bias of scientific writers

  user-133885
  well, the news articles summaries complex topics and are not critical and may not be able to be critical as one specialized in the experimental design. I even had to ask the manufacturer how they used the new kit and then discovered that it was incorrectly employed for the task.
• Lack of scientific literacy among journalists Complexity of scientific topics

  user-489806
  Journalists typically have poor writing skills. Additionally, the simplistic writing style of journalists does not afford the opportunity to discuss nuanced findings.
• Pressure for sensational headlines Complexity of scientific topics

  user-242774
  Please see above....
• Bias of scientific writers Other (please specify)

  user-902877
  Research results are misinterpreted for the sake of fitting an opinion or political propaganda.
• Pressure for sensational headlines Other (please specify)

  user-743123
  LAck of communication between scientists and journalists
• Lack of scientific literacy among journalists Pressure for sensational headlines

  user-176904
  The demand for reliable information is not sufficiently promoted.
• Lack of scientific literacy among journalists

  user-822867
  Most of the journalists are not trained with scientific knowledge and if present they are very limited in numbers 
• Lack of scientific literacy among journalists Pressure for sensational headlines

  user-740332
  Dissemination journalists are not often scientists themselves
• Pressure for sensational headlines

  user-377267
  In order to gain attention, also for economic reasons, it seems to be crucial for many media to produce sensational and alarming news. The lack of scientific knowledge of most journalists makes this problem worse.

  
  
• Pressure for sensational headlines Bias of scientific writers

  user-561710
  narratives that prevail in universities
• Pressure for sensational headlines Time constraints in news cycles

  user-753537
  Definitlely pressure for sensational headlines! And related, pressure to 'get on the front page' or 'get a lot of coverage'. 
  For the media outlets, for the journalists and -unfortunately- also often for e.g. press officers at universities. 
• Lack of scientific literacy among journalists Pressure for sensational headlines

  user-477751
  "click-baiting" to attract readers, sell adds seems to be most important driver
  Finance journalists reporting on issues in toxicology without any background, unwilling to hear/unable to judge the merits of arguments
  No ability to understand complex issues