Coronavirus hysteria exposes science journalism in SA, writes Lali van Zuydam
A 2004 study by a student at Stellenbosch University found that only 2% of editorial content in the country’s top publications is dedicated to science news. Considering the power of the media to influence public perceptions and to assist the government, business and consumers in making informed choices, specialist science journalists are vital to assist in and improve the public’s understanding of science.
This has a great impact on science literacy in a country where about 20% of adults are illiterate, more than a quarter of the adult population unemployed, and very few teenagers graduate from high school with university-level science or maths passes, according to the same report.This paints a grim picture as most people in SA do not understand the impact of science on their daily lives, rendering them unable to react to Covid-19 reasonably.
To make matters worse, there are those who spend their time purposefully creating confusing content, rather than adding value to the news industry in the country. Thus, the importance of good science journalism cannot be overstated. Science can save lives, but the incorrect reporting of science can also lead to the loss of life. It is of the utmost importance that science journalists equip themselves with critical thinking skills to ensure audiences receive high-quality, reliable news.
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