Science Skepticism

In the context of a pandemic, science skepticism itself becomes a threat to public health. When people distrust scientific experts, they are unlikely to follow the experts' recommendations. Because science is a process characterized by uncertainty, rather than a set of static facts, expert recommendations shift over time, potentially increasing distrust. Limited scientific and health literacy among the general population further jeopardize experts’ efforts to educate the public.[1]

These three pieces remind the public to trust real science and scientists rather than pseudoscience and non-scientific sources. The first image features Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical advisor to the U.S. President. The second features former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose non-science-based recommendations to the public often conflicted with Dr. Fauci's science-based recommendations. The third succinctly sums up the message.

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[1] Thomas Abel and David McQueen. “Critical health literacy and the COVID-19 crisis.” Health Promotion International 35, Issue 6 (December 2020): 1612- 1613. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daaa040