Interesting essay on Science in the Age of Selfies

In summary, the conversation discusses an essay by Donald and Stuart Geman on the impact of online communication and competitive pressure on the scientific enterprise. The essay raises questions about the possibility of great scientific advances and suggests steps to create a healthier environment for research. It also mentions the negative effects of multitasking on student writing and the pressure for journals to only publish positive results, potentially leading to unreliable findings.
  • #1
StatGuy2000
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Hi everyone. I wanted to post this interesting essay by Donald and Stuart Geman on Science in the Age of Selfies.

http://www.stat.berkeley.edu/~aldous/Blog/PNAS-2016-Geman.pdf

The essay raises some interesting questions on the scientific enterprise in the age of online communication and great competitive pressure to produce "results" via publication, and on whether great scientific advances are possible (and possible steps that can be taken to foster a healthier environment for scientific research).

Worth a read.
 
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  • #2
Yes, this essay is in line with the popular notion of multi-tasking where students claim they can write papers, solve problems, monitor facebook and text friends while listening to their favorite music.

Profs commenting on student writing, can identify the multitaskers easily since their writing is often very fragmented with sentences that just don't ft together into a paragraph and with paragraphs that just don't fit into the paper being written making the paper just a collection of ideas that don't go together well.

http://www.slate.com/articles/healt...ided_attention_and_technological_gadgets.html

The other thing I recall with respect to scientific paper publishing, is that journals want to publish positive results only so a few researchers have published novel discoveries when the discovery appeared only once over several experiments meaning that later researchers may not be able to reproduce the discovery.
 
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1. What is the significance of "Science in the Age of Selfies"?

"Science in the Age of Selfies" refers to the impact of technology and social media on the scientific community and the general public. It explores how the rise of selfies and self-promotion through social media has affected the way science is communicated and perceived by society.

2. How has social media influenced scientific research?

Social media has made it easier for scientists to share their work and collaborate with others in their field. It has also allowed for the dissemination of scientific information to a wider audience, making it more accessible and engaging. However, it has also created a culture of instant gratification and the pressure to constantly produce new and exciting findings, which can sometimes lead to rushed or exaggerated research.

3. What are some potential drawbacks of the "selfie culture" in science?

The "selfie culture" in science can lead to a focus on self-promotion rather than the quality and accuracy of research. It can also create a sense of competition and pressure to always present a perfect image, which may discourage collaboration and hinder the sharing of unsuccessful or negative results. Additionally, it may perpetuate bias and underrepresentation in the scientific community, as those who are more active on social media may receive more recognition and opportunities.

4. How can science and social media work together in a positive way?

When used responsibly, social media can be a powerful tool for science communication and engagement with the general public. Scientists can use platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share their research and findings, as well as educate and inspire others. Social media can also be used to break down barriers and promote diversity and inclusivity in the scientific community.

5. What role do scientists have in promoting responsible use of social media in science?

As experts in their field, scientists have a responsibility to use social media in a responsible and ethical manner. This includes fact-checking information before sharing it, being transparent about their research and its limitations, and actively promoting diversity and inclusivity in the scientific community. Scientists can also play a role in educating the public about the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking when consuming scientific information on social media.

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