During the corona pandemic, it became painfully clear that additional information does not automatically lead to greater understanding or trust. Science communication researcher Tessa Roedema shows that the way science communicates with the public needs to fundamentally change: less sending, more conversation.
In a society where science is increasingly the subject of debate, good communication is not just about facts, but above all about the conversation about them.
Roedema's research focuses on science communication during complex societal crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic. In such situations, people face uncertainty, conflicting information and difficult moral choices. Yet science communication often gets stuck in explaining facts and figures, while citizens need interpretation, recognition and room for questions and doubt.
Connect with public conversation that is already going on
Roedema concludes that science communication should better connect with the public conversation that is already going on: "People not only want to know what is true, but especially what information means for their own lives, whom they can trust and how they can make wise choices."
The traditional approach - in which experts transfer knowledge to citizens - is insufficient in times of crisis and does not work, Roedema said. Especially when scientific insights change or are the subject of social debate, the need for dialogue and shared meaning arises.
Roedema therefore advocates a different approach: science communication as social interaction. This leaves room for different perspectives, emotions, uncertainty and even conflict. Not to simplify science, but rather to help people better deal with complexity.
Social impact
A better connection with the lifeworld of citizens can contribute to more mutual understanding, more constructive public conversations and more resilience during crises. This makes science communication not only a means of sharing knowledge, but also a way to face difficult social issues together.
For the research, a hands-on approach was used. Roedema conducted interviews with scientists and citizens, analyzed conversations and organized workshops with communication professionals. Among other things, she examined how people assessed information during the pandemic and how scientists perceived their role in online discussions.
Visualization: Anniek Trompper