Is it worth communicating against distrust of science?

“People who drive a Hummer and have a barbecue every weekend do not benefit from accepting climate change as reality.”

Rötjens believes the latter theory is reflected in his data. “Sometimes science doesn't fit a certain worldview or certain interests. To put it bluntly, people who drive a Hummer and have a barbecue every weekend have no benefit from accepting climate change as fact. Then motivation and ideology come into play, and it's not about people.” People who don't believe in science, it's about people who don't believe in it Wants 'To believe.'

Rötjens says the motivations for not believing in science vary from group to group. Climate skeptics are often politically conservative. Religion often gets in the way of the theory of evolution. As for vaccinations, it is a combination of a lack of knowledge about the science but also a spiritual belief.

In the case of nitrogen, farmers feel their identity damaged: in their experience, they are frequently dismissed as nature haters and environmental destroyers. Aarts, who has had many conversations with people from the agricultural sector, understands this. “It would be almost the same as if people said to me, ‘Listen, what I've done as a teacher to these students for the last 30 years: It's done more harm than good. Then you can sweep me away, too.'

More than an understandable message

Scientists are working to find ways to reduce scientific uncertainty. One way is to reduce psychological distance from science – one of the reasons people are more skeptical of science in general, regardless of the topic. Rotjens: You can invite people to a discussion about this topic CRISPR CasOr showing how scientists are working in the laboratory on a new vaccine, to show how technology impacts life.

A model by Australian professor Matthew Hornsey also provides indicators for a communication strategy. By researching and discussing the roots of a negative attitude toward science, people can change their minds. Rötjens: “With vaccinations you sometimes see that there is a fear of needles. Then you have to discuss that. But the little empirical evidence available so far for Hornsey's model relates to climate skepticism.

Aarts stresses the importance of listening. “Science communication is much more than just making the message understood. This is where it starts, but you still have a long way to go from there. If you really want to engage citizens in science, you will have to take them seriously,” says Aarts. And to abandon the attitude that: ‘We have knowledge and you have emotions – but they are the lesser of the gods.’ “If scientists are willing to do so.” TRUE By talking to citizens and listening to their background experiences and thoughts, you will see that this also has an impact on trust.

This is the second part of the Science Communication series.