Work

Hype in science communication: exploring scientists’ attitudes and practices in quantum physics

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study explores scientists’ attitudes towards hype in science communication using a psychological phenomenological approach. Twenty-four quantum physicists (92% men, 8% women) participated in five focus groups guided by a semi-structured questionnaire. Thematic analysis revealed their views on the agents responsible for hype, underlying motivations, personal experiences, perceived consequences, and victims. Participants acknowledged their role in creating hype and its strategic use for securing funding, despite concerns about integrity. They may see hype as coercive, evoking negative emotions, but justify their involvement by blaming the academic system and minimizing their own actions. The findings suggest hype results from a deliberate strategy within the scientific community to gain professional advantage, reflecting a neoliberal view of science and influenced by medialization and gender dynamics. These insights are valuable for public engagement with science and for stakeholders such as scientists, science communicators, institutions, ethics committees, and regulators.

Source: Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05200-4

Authors: María T. Soto-Sanfiel, Chin-Wen Chong, José I. Latorre

Institutions: National University of Singapore, NUS Centre for Trusted Internet and Community, Centre for Quantum Technologies, Technology Innovation Institute

Language: English

Topic: Academic Publishing and Open Access

Subfield: Information Systems and Management

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,890

Funders: University of Oxford, Ministry of Education - Singapore, National Institutes of Health