Not a chance. But here hack Ben Thomas unpacks the problem it creates:
The trait that distinguishes scienceyness from actual science is that it’s got nothing to do with the scientific method at all.
…
Sciencey headlines are pre-packaged cultural tokens that can be shared and reshared without any investment in analysis or critical thought?—?as if they were sports scores or fashion photos or poetry quotes?—?to reinforce one’s aesthetic self-identification as a “science lover.” One’s actual interest doesn’t have to extend beyond the headline itself.
And that, right there, is the difference between a love of science, and a love of scienceyness.
Some suggestions: First, science journalists should lose the pom poms. Covering science is no different from covering sports or politics. If we need to defend it in principle, we have lost the plot.
Second, don’t just assume that the toasted celebs or go-to authorities have the answers. I’ve got some of my best leads from the downtrodden and the on-the-outs. The people with less to lose by just giving a straight answer. – O’Leary for News
Follow UD News at Twitter!