NEW (VISUAL) FORMATS, SOCIAL NETWORKS, KEEPING RIGOUR AND THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Last week we were at Campus Gutenberg, at the XIV Conference on Science Communication and Dissemination. Here I share some of the ideas that I thought were most relevant for those of us who work in this field:
- New formats to communicate better
One of the most talked-about topics was the need to adapt to new formats to transmit scientific information more effectively. Although I mentioned it in my presentation, other colleagues agreed on this issue, highlighting the power of images in all their forms: from photographs and videos to interactive websites and infographics. These visual resources not only facilitate understanding, but also make science (of any speciality) more accessible and attractive to the general public.
- Social networks: indispensable allies
It is no secret that social networks are a powerful tool for communication, but their effective management requires more than just presence. A well-defined strategy, consistency in publications and careful analysis of results are essential to maximise their impact. Another important aspect to highlight is that each social network has its own dynamics and it is important to know what type of content works best in each one. Communicating science on X is not the same as communicating science on Instagram or LinkedIn.
By the way, there was also a small debate about whether or not to be on X, after the drift that the former Twitter has taken.
- Rigour as a fundamental basis
Although new formats and social networks offer exciting opportunities, we must not forget that rigour is the cornerstone of science. Science communication must be accurate, truthful and well-founded. Innovation in the way we communicate must not sacrifice accuracy and credibility. Maintaining this standard is crucial in order to enhance the value of scientific work and counteract misinformation.
- Artificial Intelligence: opportunities and ethical dilemmas
Another topic of debate was the role of artificial intelligence in science communication. While we are still in the early stages of exploring its potential, three ideas emerged in the discussion: first, AI can be a useful tool to improve our ability to communicate more efficiently. Second, how to deal with the potential biases of AI (or does AI simply reproduce and deepen societal biases?). Third, we must ensure that we use it ethically, especially in a field where accuracy and rigour are paramount.
Finally, I had the opportunity to participate in the panel discussion entitled Make the most of Social Media, where I presented my paper Communicating data in the age of fake news. It was an enriching space to discuss the challenges of sharing scientific information in times where misinformation abounds.
You can access my presentation at this link, although you may be missing some context without all the comments.