51.05% of researchers admit to having suffered an attack after talking about science as revealed by the report “Experiences of research staff in their relationship with the media and social networks”, carried out by the Science Media Center Spain of the FECYT in collaboration with the University of the Basque Country.
Women, questioned above all about their abilities, receive more attacks than men, who are criticized above all for their integrity.
Social network X is the moast common scenario for attacks. “There are some environments, especially social networks, and more specifically social networks today they are hostile to scientists”. This is what Maider Eizmendi, one of the authors of the report based on a survey of researchers who dedicate themselves to or occasionally participate in dissemination tasks, expresses emphatically.
Of the 51.05% of people who admit to having suffered an attack after talking about science, “Many have received up to 20 threats in five yearssomething that ends up having consequences not only on an academic level but also on the individual well-being of these people,” explains Eizmendi.
They receive insults, derogatory comments and even death threats
have been identified a dozen different attack types: insults (30.38%), comments on oneS professional ability (28.69%) opinions on professional integrity (17.72%), comments on one’s origin, ethnicity, ideology, religion or beliefs (13.50%) , intense and repetitive contacts (10.97%), comments on one’s body (4.64%), publication of personal data (2.95%), comments on one’s sexual orientation or gender identity (2.53%), threats of physical and sexual violence (2.11%),also death threats (1.69%).
The level and type of attacks vary depending on gender. AS, the incidence is higher for women: 56.86% of female scientists interviewed say they have suffered these attacks compared to 46.21% of male scientists.“Women – explains Maider Eizmendi – see their professional capacity questioned, which is closely linked to gender stereotypes, as they are not considered a legitimate subject of science.They are not so much questioned for their professionalism,but rather they are censored for their integrity,for their sincerity.
The consequences of these attacks are these 16.55% of injured people stop disclosing, “And this strikes us, especially today, in a landscape of misinformation, and when expert sources are so important to understand what is happening to us. It is necessary to take measures so that these threats do not become a deterrent,” concludes Eizmendi.
This pioneering inquiry and the analysis of the data obtained were carried out under the scientific direction of Maider Eizmendi,ainara Larrondo and Simón Peña,of the Gureiker research group of the University of the Basque country.This online survey was responded to by 237 experts in various fields of science and technology with whom SMC Spain contacted to be a source of information from March 2022 to July 2024 – 1,405 contacts.The response rate was 17%, with 237 people responding, a important figure when compared to studies conducted in other countries. The surveys were sent out in three waves during June and July 2024.
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What strategies can researchers employ to improve their interactions with the media and social media platforms?
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to our special interview segment.Today, we have Maider Eizmendi, one of the authors of a groundbreaking report by the Science Media Center Spain titled “Experiences of Research Staff in Their Relationship with the Media and Social Networks.” Thank you for joining us, Maider.
Maider Eizmendi: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss our findings.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. Your report reveals some startling statistics—51.05% of researchers have reported experiencing attacks after discussing their work. What do you think is at the core of such hostility towards scientists?
Maider Eizmendi: That’s a crucial question. Our findings indicate that social media platforms—ahem, notably X—are frequently enough hostile environments for scientists. In discussions that hinge on scientific evidence, misinformation can easily spread, leading to personal attacks rather than constructive dialog.
Time.news Editor: Interesting. The report also highlights a concerning gender disparity. Women seem to face more attacks centered on their abilities, while men are critiqued for their integrity. Can you elaborate on that?
Maider Eizmendi: Yes,this was one of the most striking insights from our survey. Women in science often deal with imposter syndrome as a result of these ability-based criticisms,which can undermine their confidence and diminish their visibility in the field. meanwhile, men encounter integrity challenges—these tend to question their motivations and ethics, which represent a different kind of gendered attack.
Time.news Editor: That’s an crucial distinction. Given these findings, how do you feel researchers can better navigate this precarious relationship with social media?
Maider Eizmendi: Researchers need to be strategic. They have to understand that social media is a double-edged sword—it can amplify their voice but also expose them to backlash. We encourage scientists to engage in constructive conversations and to also have a support network to lean on when criticisms become personal or unjust.
Time.news Editor: Have you seen any positive changes in how scientific discourse is managed on social media, or is it largely a hostile habitat?
maider Eizmendi: There are promising signs.some initiatives aim to promote scientific literacy among the public and create more respectful dialogue spaces. Though, it’s a continual battle against misinformation and extremism. A collective effort from both researchers and platforms is necessary to cultivate a safer environment.
Time.news Editor: That brings us to an intriguing point about the role of social media platforms themselves. What duty do you think they have in addressing this issue?
Maider Eizmendi: Platforms like X bear a significant responsibility to implement better moderation policies and education initiatives aimed at fostering respectful engagement. It’s not just about removing harmful content—it’s about creating an atmosphere that encourages constructive discussions around scientific topics.
Time.news Editor: Touching on these solutions, what advice would you give to younger researchers who fear backlash but want to engage with the public on their work?
Maider Eizmendi: My advice would be to prioritize your mental health. It’s okay to step back if online engagements become too overwhelming. Start small—engage in discussions within supportive communities before broadening your outreach. Empathy and clarity in communication can make a significant difference.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Maider, for your valuable insights on these critical issues. Your research sheds light on the challenges facing scientists today, and it’s essential that we address and mitigate these attacks for the progress of science.
maider Eizmendi: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic, and I hope it encourages more open and respectful dialogues about science.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! To our viewers,you’ve heard it here: the relationship between science,media,and public discourse is evolving,and it needs thoughtful engagement from all sides. Thank you for tuning in!