In a time of widespread public concern over global climate change, vaccine mandates and genetically modified foods, Americans continue to show deep interest in science news. Nearly three-quarters say that they follow science news a lot or a little, and about seven-in-ten say that they talk to family members about science topics at least weekly. They also report that they turn to a variety of outlets, including general news sites and social media, when getting their science information, with specialty sources such as documentaries or science magazines considered the most accurate.
However, the overall accuracy of sources is less important than the importance people place on a topic’s timeliness and relevance to their lives. And in a time of political divisions over how scientific discoveries are communicated, there are notable similarities across party groups in the ways they encounter and interpret Science news. People also are equally likely to cite problems with both the way that general outlets cover science and how scientists themselves share their findings — but they place greater blame for the former than the latter. Our team strives to put new findings in context and provide readers with a range of perspectives, from those of expert researchers to everyday citizens. In doing so, we seek to provide the essential foundation for understanding the world around us. Our work is supported by nearly 115,000 subscribing members, 50,000 worldwide alumni of our youth competitions and millions of online visitors and social media followers.