Tag: Climate Change Disinformation

Abstract

Misinformation, lack of trust, and uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic have fostered the emergence of new conspiracy theories. In August 2021, we examined the association of individual personality traits and socio-environmental factors with high belief in pandemic-related conspiracies through an online survey among 3,067 quota-sampled German-speaking adults residing in the D-A-CH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). In multivariable-adjusted regression models, pandemic-related conspiracy belief was, first, negatively associated with tertile (T) of complexity thinking, optimism, and higher level of education (complexity thinking, OR_T3vs.T1: 0.43, 95% CI 0.32–0.57, P_trend < 0.01; optimism, OR_T3vs.T1: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.30–0.56, P_trend < 0.01; higher education, OR_{T3vs. T1}: 0.67, 0.50-0.89; P_trend <0.01) and second, positively associated with regular participation in religious meetings, not having recently voted, unwillingness of oneself or one’s close contacts to vaccinate, past COVID-19 infection and disapproval of COVID-19 mitigation measures. Our findings highlight the importance to foster complexity understanding through targeted interventions, such as in education settings, to help curb the spread of conspiracy theories. We conclude that, in order to effectively address the challenges posed by pandemic-related conspiracy theories, policymakers must acknowledge the impact of conspiracy beliefs on public health decisions while promoting transparent communication and interdisciplinary (between scientific disciplines) and transdisciplinary (between science and society) research, as well as science literacy and science diplomacy collaboration.

Abstract

Misinformation, lack of trust, and uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic have fostered the emergence of new conspiracy theories. In August 2021, we examined the association of individual personality traits and socio-environmental factors with high belief in pandemic-related conspiracies through an online survey among 3,067 quota-sampled German-speaking adults residing in the D-A-CH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). In multivariable-adjusted regression models, pandemic-related conspiracy belief was, first, negatively associated with tertile (T) of complexity thinking, optimism, and higher level of education (complexity thinking, OR_T3vs.T1: 0.43, 95% CI 0.32–0.57, P_trend < 0.01; optimism, OR_T3vs.T1: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.30–0.56, P_trend < 0.01; higher education, OR_{T3vs. T1}: 0.67, 0.50-0.89; P_trend <0.01) and second, positively associated with regular participation in religious meetings, not having recently voted, unwillingness of oneself or one’s close contacts to vaccinate, past COVID-19 infection and disapproval of COVID-19 mitigation measures. Our findings highlight the importance to foster complexity understanding through targeted interventions, such as in education settings, to help curb the spread of conspiracy theories. We conclude that, in order to effectively address the challenges posed by pandemic-related conspiracy theories, policymakers must acknowledge the impact of conspiracy beliefs on public health decisions while promoting transparent communication and interdisciplinary (between scientific disciplines) and transdisciplinary (between science and society) research, as well as science literacy and science diplomacy collaboration.

Abstract

Catering to a primarily male user population, Reddit is often said to be a breeding ground for toxic language use, which has led to the development of multiple computational classification models for the automated identification of toxicity in online conversations. Since negation can play a key role in cyberbullying, functioning as a popular stance marker in the dialogical exchange of dominating views in the digital sphere, it should not be ignored. Likewise, its use as a rhetorical strategy deserves more linguistic attention. Described as Engagement resources of disclaim in Appraisal theory, negated constructions may be employed by Reddit users to disalign themselves from divergent perspectives through emotion-driven ad hominem attacks, not only resulting in a potentially detrimental impact on the users’ mental health, but also perpetuating toxic power relationships. Therefore, this paper examines the use of negation, in combination with various other interpersonal resources, within the Redditors’ dialogical interactions, to explore its possible motivations and role in shaping the online discourse. A computer-assisted appraisal analysis was conducted on 2637 most upvoted comments and replies (49,866 words), extracted from the subreddit of r/AustralianPolitics between 11–14 April and 7–10 May 2022, during the period leading up to the so-called federal climate change election in Australia. The study shows evidence of a seemingly dominant negation pattern characterised by negative judgement and its findings tentatively suggest that some of the male Australian users may use negation as a discursive strategy driven by ideology and emotion. This raises the possibility that the language use encountered on r/AustralianPolitics may be influenced by covert toxic geek masculinity.

Abstract

The role of social media in information dissemination and agenda-setting has significantly expanded in recent years. By offering real-time interactions, online platforms have become invaluable tools for studying societal responses to significant events as they unfold. However, online reactions to external developments are influenced by various factors, including the nature of the event and the online environment. This study examines the dynamics of public discourse on digital platforms to shed light on this issue. We analyzed over 12 million posts and news articles related to two significant events: the release of ChatGPT in 2022 and the global discussions about COVID-19 vaccines in 2021. Data was collected from multiple platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, YouTube, and GDELT. We employed topic modeling techniques to uncover the distinct thematic emphases on each platform, which reflect their specific features and target audiences. Additionally, sentiment analysis revealed various public perceptions regarding the topics studied. Lastly, we compared the evolution of engagement across platforms, unveiling unique patterns for the same topic. Notably, discussions about COVID-19 vaccines spread more rapidly due to the immediacy of the subject, while discussions about ChatGPT, despite its technological importance, propagated more gradually.

Abstract

Social media has revolutionized the way information is distributed throughout society, as folks continue to rely entirely on these apps for information on current events, health protocols, and socio-political discussions. However, these containers of knowledge do not appear in the same shape for every user; Algorithms, informed by capitalist agendas, determine what information sifts through its networks and to whom. Data scientists, researchers, and activists have dissected the hidden mechanics fueling these popular platforms, inciting critical conversations around the harmful biases embedded in algorithms. These studies often skim the surface of how these algorithms digitally marginalize people of color, if acknowledging it at all. Even fewer have attempted to examine the role these algorithms play in the social activism and digital community organizing happening amongst communities of color via social media. Referring to indigenous scholar Marisa Elena Duarte’s book Network Sovereignty as a framework of thought, this paper roots itself in the notion that technology is an extension of the agenda utilizing it. Through dissecting the algorithmic structures of popular social platforms among communities of color, this paper examines how social media distributes information within its networks and how its encoded biases silence Black, brown, and indigenous voices. This paper also provides insight into how BIPOC content-creators, when informed on how the algorithms work, can use these platforms to their advantage and effectively facilitate socio-political discourse online; Changing the narrative of social networks from being yet another landscape of white supremacy to instead a communal canvas for radical change.

Abstract

Public engagement on socioscientific issues is crucial to explore solutions to different crises facing humanity today. It is vital for fostering transformative change. Yet, assumptions shape whether, when and how engagement happens on a pressing issue like climate change. Here we examine three dominant assumptions—engaging the public involves power-sharing and not just information, investing in relationships can lead to mutually desirable outcomes, and more interaction is better to support engagement in climate change governance. Furthermore, we explore the implications of these assumptions and related contradictions. We offer insights to stimulate discussion on the need to understand, assess and revise implicit assumptions that might undermine the capacity to transform public engagement on climate change.

Abstract

Teaching and learning relies on age-appropriate, credible formal (e.g., textbooks, textbook supplements) and informal (e.g., trade-books) curricular texts. Previous research traced American publishers’ self-censorship about human evolution within twentieth-century textbooks. This study, informed by the latest scientific understandings, engaged in content analysis of scientific depictions of evolution, race, (homo)sexuality, and intersex identity. The data pool contained American biology textbooks, trade-books, and curricular supplements published after 1990 (n = 153). Findings revealed age-appropriate, comprehensive evolutionary depictions, yet stark omissions of scientific evidence and arguments challenging white supremacy, cisheteronormativity, and pathologization of racialized, queer, and intersex identities. Most modern biology curricular texts, in other words, disregard scientific examination of the tenets grounding racism, homophobia, and transphobia. Why do most biology curricular resources omit the science controverting prominent pseudoscientific fears? Who determines what is taught? The consequences of curricular omissions are particularly alarming considering the violence and violent threats targeting already-marginalized people.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic upended daily life and disrupted human activity in urban centers all over the world. Stay-at-home orders emptied urban spaces, removing or decreasing stressors on urban wildlife associated with human presence. Anecdotal observations of unusual urban wildlife behavior spread virally across social media, but some of these reports were proven false or fabricated. Here we examined both scientific publications and local newspapers to understand how extensively urban catastrophes are covered with respect to their effects on wildlife. We read all article titles from January 1980–June 2023 in 100 high impact journals in biology to determine if prior research exists that could inform our understanding of this phenomenon. Additionally, we used a keyword search to find scientific journal articles about wildlife responses during events in which large-scale evacuations of urban environments occurred. We found 37 scientific articles on this topic, with 13 of those published in the highest impact biology journals. The majority of publications identified (70%) were about wildlife responses to the COVID-19 public health response. Finally, we searched local newspapers in areas where hurricanes struck urban centers. We found 25 newspaper articles reporting on wildlife in relation to urban natural disasters. These were typically anecdotes, but nearly always consulted a credible, expert source. Ultimately, more research focused on urban areas before and after catastrophic or sudden changes will allow biologists to develop a baseline expectation for urban wildlife behavior in the absence of humans.

Abstract

The literature on COVID-19 vaccination has rarely taken a macro and longitudinal approach to investigate the nuanced racial and ethnic differences in vaccine hesitancy and refusal. To fill this gap, this study examines the relationships between race, time, and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and refusal using state-level data from the US Census Household Pulse Survey, 2020 US Decennial Census, and other sources (i.e., American Community Survey, Human Development Index database, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Four longitudinal Generalized Estimating Equations (GEEs) were estimated to analyze how time-variant and time-invariant measures, and time itself influenced COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and refusal rates, controlling for the effect of other relevant covariates. The results provide descriptive evidence that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy had decreased in the USA, but vaccine refusal remained stable between January and October 2021. The GEEs further indicated that the proportion of the Black population was positively associated with both vaccine hesitancy and refusal rates, while the proportion of the White population was positively associated with the vaccine refusal rate but not associated with the vaccine hesitancy rate. In addition, over the 10-month period, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and refusal in the Black population declined rapidly, but vaccine refusal in the White population stayed fairly stable. More research and practical efforts are needed to understand and inform the public about these important but overlooked trends.