Science in the Media Essay
Science in the Media Essay

Science in the Media Essay

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  • Pages: 5 (1217 words)
  • Published: November 10, 2021
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When I think of scientists, I imagine individuals who possess knowledge in various subjects like animals, plants, and other areas and have conducted thorough research on these topics. Notable scientists such as Sir Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and Jane Goodall come to mind. All scientists share a curiosity that drives them to ask many questions, observe their surroundings carefully, and conduct extensive research on the world. This global community of scientists extensively studies their environment and uses the findings from their research to gain understanding and document the phenomena that fascinate them. This distinguishes them from those without similar interest or concern.

Scientists, like Jane Goodall, who conducted extensive research on monkeys in the wilderness, acquire vast knowledge on their ability to adapt and survive in the environment as well as their utilization of available resources. Scientists are driven by curiosity and th

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e desire to become renowned in their field. Currently, there is a growing fascination with the changes that science has undergone.

Despite possessing extensive knowledge and conducting thorough research to demonstrate their expertise, many scientists worldwide lack recognition for their valuable contributions. Immersing themselves in scientific understanding can lead individuals to develop an interest in pursuing a career as a scientist. This research paper examines the impact of media on the depiction of science and how scientists are portrayed in popular culture. These portrayals significantly influence public perception of scientific research across different media platforms. Joseph Liebling, a prominent journalist, gained great esteem in the media realm due to his prolific writing.

The American-born journalist worked in various media organizations before joining the New Yorker in 1935 until his death. He was an active correspondent during

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World War, traveling to war zones and writing impactful reports on the war's progress. His exceptional war reporting skills earned him numerous international accolades. Anderson Cooper is a renowned American television personality and journalist.

Anderson Cooper, the award-winning journalist and presenter at CNN, has achieved great success in the field of journalism. Known for his high profile standards, he has provided coverage for major events worldwide. In particular, he has a keen interest in war reporting and is often confronted with the philosophical dilemmas faced by those experiencing extreme hardships. Cooper has traveled internationally to regions in conflict such as Somalia, Vietnam, and Somalia again, where he reported on the wars taking place (Weingart, 1998). Both Joseph Liebling and Anderson Cooper share the characteristic of fearlessly addressing significant issues and embracing diverse feedback.

They shared common areas of coverage in war reporting and made efforts to gather and respond to feedback. They also enjoyed establishing extensive networks among individuals involved in quality level discourse. When considering the characteristics of a scientist, one must imagine a scientist with a curious nature. Without curiosity about the natural world, it is challenging to make advancements in scientific understanding. Curiosity serves as the foundation for becoming a scientist and fuels the motivation for in-depth research. Scientists should approach their topics logically, even if the data they collect contradicts their initial expectations, as it may reveal flaws in their ideas.

When this incident occurs, the rational nature enables us to set aside emotions in favor of scientific advancements. Logical thinking is necessary to make sense of certain observations. Creativity is not limited to art; scientists also employ it to follow instructions and conduct

important research. Many scientists, such as Einstein, greatly advance our understanding and there may be a lack of individuals who can comprehend their work.

Scientists who possess imaginative minds utilize their skills in research and ultimately achieve great accomplishments, often receiving international recognition. The perception of scientists has undergone significant transformation, particularly among the younger generation, as they have adopted innovative means to communicate and exchange information, particularly through online platforms. This emergence of new media plays a crucial role in enhancing the significance of modern science (Allan, 2002). Accordingly, the scientific process evolves in line with the progress of knowledge and technology in response to societal needs.

This change has positively impacted my perception of scientists and their valuable contributions to society through their continuous research on nature. This leads to the effective utilization of resources for human development. In the media, fictional scientists have often been portrayed as heroes, villains, or a combination of both. This harmful myth perpetuated by the media and even scientists themselves suggests that scientists are typically depicted as mad, evil, or unattractive. Pollack's article analyzes how movies have played a role in perpetuating this misconception by consistently portraying scientists as villains. Additionally, Pollack notes that these depictions often portray scientists as clumsy and absent-minded.

The thesis in Pollack's article suggests that, although portrayed as comical, sympathetic, and heroic, the scientists are by no means absent-minded but rather brilliant. According to another article on the scientist website, it counters the belief that scientists are perceived as villains by the general public. The writer asserts that prominent scientists are considered heroes, as exemplified in the positive portrayal of scientists in media, which ultimately

shapes public opinion. The most influential factor in public perception of scientists is the depiction in movies and TV shows, which tends to reflect prevailing attitudes. The writer contends that terrorists, criminals, and corrupt businesspeople are the primary villains, while popular scientists are seen as heroes.

The number of villainous scientists is actually less than that of heroes. While some scientists are falsely portrayed as evil, many are simply misguided or overwhelmed when their research goes out of their control. Biological scientists play a crucial role in protecting humanity from infectious diseases, thanks to their developed science and sometimes a stroke of luck. It is critically important to demonstrate that the general public should not solely view scientists as heroes, but also acknowledge their importance. In the future, scientists must defend themselves against accusations of villainy and advocate for research funding, as well as address emerging issues like global warming. Despite the media's tendency to negatively portray scientists, research shows that there is no prevailing image that universally views scientists as either entirely positive or entirely negative across all genres and time periods.

The portrayal of scientists as heroes in recent research serves to highlight their positive role. Studies indicate that scientists face a higher percentage of negative stereotypes compared to other media figures on television and are often presented as victims of circumstances. An analysis of TV reports presented at communication conferences reveals a pervasive image of the scientist. Many members of the scientific community have expressed disappointment with the media's tendency to depict scientists in a negative light and foster public animosity towards them (Lewenstein, 1995).

The research investigates the impact of the media on our

perception of scientists, highlighting its potential to strengthen confidence in positive scientific progress or endorse contentious areas. Throughout history, the connection between science and the media frequently portrayed scientists negatively, making them suffer due to circumstances when compared to other professionals. However, scientists have also been depicted as heroes and main characters, promoting ethical choices and offering rational perspectives. They dedicate substantial time to their work and often defy societal norms regarding attire.

References

  1. Allan, S. (2002). Media, risk and science. Order, 9, 235.
  2. Lewenstein, B. V. (1995). Science and the media. Handbook of science and technology studies, 343-60.
  3. Weingart, P. (1998). Science and the media. Research policy, 27(8), 869-879.
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