Uncivil discourse is a growing concern in American rhetoric, and this trend has expanded beyond traditional media to online sources, such as audience comments. Using an experiment given sample representative of the U.S. population, we examine effects incivility on perceptions toward particular issue—namely, emerging technology, nanotechnology. We found that exposure uncivil blog comments can polarize risk nanotechnology along lines religiosity issue support.

Conflict in online discussions of science has the potential to polarize individuals’ perceptions science, yet communication scholarship paid little attention systematic study how verbal attacks play out science. This analyzes sarcasm and incivility Twitter climate change during an extreme weather event ( n = 4,094). We found instances were low overall. Incivility was used association with political topics, both alongside skeptical perspectives by those who mention right-leaning politics...

This study explores differences in volume of coverage and thematic content between US print news online media for an emerging technology – nanotechnology. We found that while American Google News this has peaked started to decline, Blog Search nanotechnology is still growing. Additionally, our data show discrepancies coverage. Specifically, users are more likely encounter environmentally themed relating than newspapers. Differences the amount as well suggest public discourse on related...

Sarcastic content is prevalent in online social media, although little research has explored its effects. In this study, we examine how exposure to one-sided versus two-sided sarcastic perspectives on climate change shapes beliefs about change. We find that messages use irony deride those who believe a hoax (presented The Onion) raises belief certainty and perceived risk of for do not already an important issue ( N = 141). message by Weather Channel) does show any

Journal Article The Role of Media and Deference to Scientific Authority in Cultivating Trust Sources Information about Emerging Technologies Get access Ashley A. Anderson, Anderson 1Department Life Sciences Communication, University Wisconsin–Madison, 2Center for Nanotechnology Society at Arizona State University, 3University Wisconsin–Madison Nanoscale Science Engineering Center Templated Synthesis Assembly the 4School Public Affairs, is a PhD candidate Department Communication...

In this article, we focus on a key strategic objective of scientific organizations: maintaining the trust public. Using data from nationally representative survey American adults ( n = 1510), assess extent to which demographic factors and political ideology are associated with citizens’ in general science climate research conducted by US federal agencies. Finally, test whether priming individuals first consider agencies’ influences their research, vice versa. We found that is more trusted...

The research explores the differential impact of exposure to one-sided vs. two-sided satire about climate change on message processing. Analyzing experimental data (N =141) we find that offered by ‘The Onion’ ironically claiming global warming is a hoax encourages viewers engage in greater elaboration and counterarguing. In contrast, Weather Channel’ makes jokes those who believe reject human involvement quickly discounted. We conclude discussing strategic value incorporating satirical humor...

This study compares public attitudes toward nanotechnology in the United States and Singapore, using large-scale survey data both countries. Results indicate that Singaporeans tend to be more knowledgeable about familiar with than U.S. public. perceive greater benefits fewer potential risks of nanotechnology, support for government funding Between two countries, perceived familiarity emerging technology interpreted differently through lens value predispositions (religiosity deference...

While there is mounting evidence that humor can be an effective means of engaging publics, much remains to learned about the contextual factors shape how audiences receive and process humorous scientific content. Analyzing data from a controlled experiment ( N = 217), this study explores differential impact exposure stand-up comedy featuring scientist generates considerable laughter audience versus lacking reaction. Among key findings, served heighten affective response viewers, was...

Humor has been recommended for scientists looking to conduct communication activities despite relatively little empirical evidence demonstrating its effectiveness. Here, we examine the social environment of a joke through two-condition experimental design that manipulates presence or absence audience laughter. Specifically, how humor experienced from viewing video clip science comedian embedded in an online survey can have downstream effects on whether people view comedy as valid source...

This paper investigates the relationship between scientists’ communication experience and attitudes towards misinformation their intention to correct misinformation. Specifically, study focuses on two correction strategies: source-based relational approaches. Source-based approaches combatting prioritize sharing accurate information from trustworthy sources encourage audiences trust reliable over false information. On other hand, give priority developing relationships or promoting dialogue...

Abstract Teaching science in an age of disinformation and misinformation requires empowering students to address inaccurate information evidence‐based ways. Science communication scholarship highlights the growing importance inclusive relational approaches for addressing misinformation. Thus, we developed, implemented, evaluated interdisciplinary, graduate‐level course STEM, journalism/communication, public health learn using community‐engaged, approaches. We used Theory Planned Behavior as...

Audiences for science and technology news in traditional outlets are shrinking, recent data suggest that citizens increasingly turn to online sources information about emerging technologies, such as nanotechnology1. This raises a number of questions. How does the lay public approach this wealth nanotechnology? And what kinds content they likely encounter based on these searches? Our results terms audiences search during searches shift debate nanotechnology away from more economic or...

Abstract Local television (TV) weathercasters are a potentially promising source of climate education, in that weather is the primary reason viewers watch local TV news, large segments public trust as information about global warming, and extreme events increasingly common (Leiserowitz et al.; U.S. Global Change Research Program). In an online experiment conducted two South Carolina cities (Greenville, n = 394; Columbia, 352) during immediately after summer heat wave, effects on warming risk...

Nanotechnology is an emerging technology poised to benefit society both technically and socially, but as with any new advance, there potential risk. This paper describes a novel deliberative exercise involving nanotechnology that engages the public in debate regarding funding of nanotechnology-related research while also discussing risks benefits this field science. In 2-h time frame, participants are provided general background terminology examples advances 10 different areas. The then...

This study analyzes the issue attention cycle for print and online media coverage of a scientific publication examining deaths Chinese factory workers due to lung damage from chronic exposure nanoparticles. The results nanoparticle study, published in 2009, embody news values that would make prime candidate press coverage, namely, novelty, negativity, controversy, potential widespread impact. Nevertheless, mentions event traditional English-language were nearly nonexistent. Online media, on...

Abstract Concerns over the resilience of individuals within communities impacted by extreme weather events have heightened in recent years due to increasing frequency and intensity these events. Individuals’ participation communicative activities is an integral part how they prepare for respond natural disasters. This study focuses on express social media posts from Twitter before, during, after a regional flooding event Colorado 2013 ( N = 210,303). Findings show that both negative positive...

Air quality issues, exacerbated by wildfire smoke and excessive ozone that is worsened climate change, pose significant health risks to outdoor workers, who are often overlooked in regulatory protection communication efforts. This study examined how worker demographics, risk perceptions, efficacy beliefs predict air protective actions information seeking. Additionally, it investigates the sources of this population relies on for understanding quality.