Science, misinformation and digital technology during the Covid-19 pandemic

Hist Philos Life Sci. 2021 May 11;43(2):68. doi: 10.1007/s40656-021-00424-4.

Abstract

Three interdependent factors are behind the current Covid-19 pandemic distorted narrative: (1) science´s culture of "publish or perish", (2) misinformation spread by traditional media and social digital media and (3) distrust of technology for tracing contacts and its privacy-related issues. In this short paper, I wish to tackle how these three factors have added up to give rise to a negative public understanding of science in times of a health crisis, such as the current Covid-19 pandemic and finally, how to confront all these problems.

Keywords: Covid-19; Digital technology; Misinformation; Peer review system; Science.

MeSH terms

  • Biological Science Disciplines / standards*
  • COVID-19 / psychology*
  • Communication*
  • Digital Technology*
  • Humans
  • Information Dissemination / ethics*
  • Mass Media
  • Peer Review, Research
  • Privacy
  • Public Opinion
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Scholarly Communication / standards*
  • Science / standards*
  • Social Media