Nanotechnology in the media: what kind of information reaches the public?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48160/18517072re29.247Keywords:
nanoscience, nanotechnology, science popularization, written press, technoscientific visionsAbstract
This article analyses the information available to the Brazilian public on nanoscience and nanotechnology. This emerging scientific and technological field has been quickly legitimized and granted a strategic position and significant research budget in the country. We examine one newspaper, three general information weekly magazines (considering their science and technology sections), and two science popularization magazines. The period covered is 2002-2007. The information was organized following a set of variables: a) general content of the articles; b) use of sources of information; c) ways of defining nanotechnology; d) characteristics of the visions on nanotechnology (promises for the future); e) social implications and risks; f) ways of presenting the relationship between science and society. Our analysis shows that information on nanotechnology is considerably scarce when compared to the strategic position that nanotechnology occupies within Brazilian science and technology and industrial policies. Public information is characterized by an emphasis in optimistic visions of nanotechnology, such as promises of more efficient and “intelligent” products, impressive advances in diagnostics and treatment of diseases, another revolution in information technology, economic growth, among others. The promises formulated by scientists tend to be magnified in journalistic texts by using titles, highlighted texts and figures with futuristic tones. Information on controversial aspects is scarce. On one hand, the articles do not refer to internal debates in the field of nanotechnology. On the other hand, promises are seldom obscured by side effects, risks, social implications or ethical dilemmas regarding these technologies.
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