By: Meagan A. Weiland

Misinformation or “fake news” is a threat to a productive economy and meaningful social progress. In a time where the very definition of fact is questioned, how does a scientist or policy analyst compete with the ever-lowering standards of the burden of proof?

In recent months, there has been a growing debate on what responsibility, if any, researchers and scientists have when it comes to combating misinformation, propaganda, and “half-truths”. Issues once reserved for the world of peer-reviewed research, empirical studies, and exhaustive research projects are now being debated at lighting speed between politicians on evening news programs.

“For a long time, many of us have believed that facts speak for themselves, and scientists could remain on the sidelines to avoid “politicizing” their work. The recent election and its aftermath have clearly triggered a dramatic re-evaluation of these norms. We have learned – the hard way – that we can’t take respect for facts and science for granted and a large and growing “fact-based” community is rising up.”

 Unfortunately, both scientists and policy analysts have largely remained out of these public conversations waiting for people to come to them in search of better information. This stance forces the public not only continue with their daily responsibilities but to subsequently research a complicated issue in order to find better information. That is a lot to ask when key information is usually locked behind large paywalls, only open to those within academic institutions, and filled with unfamiliar jargon.

With a lack of access to scientists and their work, the consequences of misinformation are amplified—in this case, with respect to the costs and damages that are driven by climate change and the failure to take advantage of cost-effective solutions. Some scientists, frustrated with the medias representation of these issues, have decided to stop engaging the public and return to the safe world of academia and peer review. While the frustration is understandable, the consequences have been severe.

“As the challenges and environmental consequences of climate change manifest, the need for a society of science-literate citizens is becoming increasingly apparent. Achieving this, however, is no easy task, particularly given the proliferation of fake news and the seeds of confusion it can sow.”

Scientists and policy analysts need to engage the public by translating their findings into accessible language, make themselves available to answer meaningful questions by a concerned public, and most importantly, making scientific knowledge and research accessible to all. We need to find better ways to get the right information to the right people (policy makers, investors, community leaders, government officials, business leaders, developers, etc.). We have to work especially hard to make research digestible and accessible to people with different backgrounds and interests.

Misinformation and so-called “fake news” is an assault on these efforts. Misinformation is not new, especially since the rise of the internet. However, we are now starting to understand how successful it is in derailing factually supported narratives. Science is not simply a casualty of the increasing levels of misinformation, it the target.

“Put simply, scientists talk to other scientists and more often than not, leave the public out of the loop.”

Currently, misinformation is winning when it comes to influencing people’s decisions and the nation’s policy. More needs to be done to open up access to meaningful research in order to foster critical thinking. Research needs to be shared broadly, enthusiastically, and in an approachable way. This is what we are working to do here.

We seek to improve access to information and make that information more easily available to everyone through our website. We are currently working to launch a “resources page” that will constantly be updated with new sources of data and information we encounter through our work. Putting sources into one place and encouraging others to submit sources they feel should be included is our way of working to combat misinformation. We can all do better to engage and support productive growth and knowledge.

Do you have a source that should be added to our database? Contact us and get involved today. Expect to see and access our database in the next week or so.