Scientific information has never been more widely accessible than it is today. While this increased availability fosters awareness and collaboration, it has also contributed to a concerning surge in misinformation and disinformation, especially in the United States.

Recent Pew Research data indicates a decline in public trust in science, withonly 57% of people believing science has had a mostly positive impact on society, down from 73% in 2019. Additionally, 34% of adults now view science’s impact as equally positive and negative.

Trust in science



 

The decline in trust in science stems from several factors viz; rapid spread of misinformation online / social media, political polarization, poor irreproducible scientific papers, and eroding trust in institutions. Social media amplifies false information, while scientific issues have become politicized. Poor communication, past controversies, and the complexity of science also contribute to skepticism. The publication of poor-quality papers in journals, often due to lax peer review, pressure to publish, or predatory journals, undermines trust in science. 

Retractions and contradictory findings further fuel skepticism, making it harder for the public to distinguish reliable research from flawed studies. Additionally, confirmation bias and information overload make it harder for people to distinguish credible sources from unreliable ones.

To reach science deniers, engage with empathy, not confrontation. Focus on shared values and use simple, relatable explanations. Encourage critical thinking by asking questions rather than pushing facts. Address misinformation with patience and credible sources. Building trust through respectful dialogue is key to changing perspectives. Rebuilding trust in science requires improving transparency, strengthening peer review, and holding journals accountable for quality. Scientists must communicate findings clearly, acknowledge uncertainties, and engage with the public. Media literacy and critical thinking should be promoted to combat misinformation. Institutions must remain independent from political and corporate influence while ensuring ethical research practices. 

Science, at its core, is a process of constant questioning and refinement. Findings are not meant to be accepted blindly, but rather scrutinized, tested, and debated. This openness to scrutiny is what drives scientific progress—ideas are only strengthened when subjected to rigorous examination and peer review. Emphasizing that scientific knowledge evolves through ongoing dialogue and evidence-based criticism can help the public better understand that science is not infallible. Rather, it’s a tool for seeking truth, and it’s in the very nature of science to challenge, question, and improve upon itself over time.

One of the most effective ways to counter misinformation is through education. Science education should be integrated into daily conversations, not just taught in classrooms. By fostering curiosity and a basic understanding of scientific principles from an early age, we can help individuals develop the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complex landscape of modern information. Encouraging the public to ask questions, explore evidence, and be open to changing their views when presented with new information can gradually restore confidence in science. Educational initiatives should also focus on demystifying the scientific process, showing that science is not a collection of absolute truths, but a dynamic method of seeking knowledge, where findings evolve and are open to scrutiny. 

As we strive to rebuild trust in science, it’s important to reflect on where we believe the erosion of trust begins. What experiences or factors have led you, as members of the public or scientists, to feel more distant from science? Is it the way information is communicated, or perhaps the rise of misinformation? In conversations I’ve had with several scientists, they’ve shared concerns about the growing divide between the scientific community and the general public. Many feel that their research is often misrepresented or misunderstood, which further escalates skepticism. Additionally, the challenge of effectively communicating complex science in an age of rapid information sharing has been noted as a major barrier. Our perspectives are key to fostering a constructive dialogue that can strengthen the bonds between science and society. 

Let us work together to understand the roots of skepticism and find ways to address them for a more informed and engaged future.

Further Reading: 

Lupia, A.; Allison, D. B.; Jamieson, K. H.; Heimberg, J.;Skipper, M.; Wolf, S. M. Trends in US Public Confidence in Science and Opportunities for Progress. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 2024, 121 (11),e2319488121. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2319488121.