ABSTRAKT

This study focuses on the presentation and interpretation of scientific information and data by Slovak creators on the social platform Instagram. Media content presented on social mediaoften becomes problematic, as popular science posts are more in an entertaining than scientificform. It happens that popular science content is presented inaccurately, without deeper context. In addition, scientific misinformation and misleading information appears, which can pose adanger to audience members who trust such information. Science journalism has found itsplace not only in traditional media, but also on social media platforms, where problematicinformation on scientific topics goes viral and achieves a high level of user interaction. In anunregulated or under-regulated social networking environment, it is also more difficult for usersto discern the credibility and relevance of the information presented, especially when referring toexisting scientific studies or authorities. However, data from these sources may be taken out ofcontext, interpreted in a misleading way or accompanied by completely fabricated or distortedconclusions. Such false scientific content undermines confidence in objective science journalismand discredits the work of science journalists. Several digital tools are now available that canhelp readers distinguish real scientific information from false information. Critical thinking,media literacy and scientific literacy are key skills that can be used to detect manipulativetechniques and navigate the issue of false media content. In this paper, we therefore clarify theimportance of media, scientific and information literacy skills to help identify misinformation inmedia content related to science and research.

KĽÚČOVÉ SLOVÁ

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34135/mlar-23-01-12