Hype in science communication: exploring scientists’ attitudes and practices in quantum physics
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 v...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer Nature
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Humanities & Social Sciences Communications |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05200-4 |
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| author | María T. Soto-Sanfiel Chin-Wen Chong José I. Latorre |
| author_facet | María T. Soto-Sanfiel Chin-Wen Chong José I. Latorre |
| author_sort | María T. Soto-Sanfiel |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | 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. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-820232a17cfe4d06834f7d5ca03f56be |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2662-9992 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Springer Nature |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Humanities & Social Sciences Communications |
| spelling | doaj-art-820232a17cfe4d06834f7d5ca03f56be2025-08-20T03:47:24ZengSpringer NatureHumanities & Social Sciences Communications2662-99922025-06-0112111110.1057/s41599-025-05200-4Hype in science communication: exploring scientists’ attitudes and practices in quantum physicsMaría T. Soto-Sanfiel0Chin-Wen Chong1José I. Latorre2Department of Communications and New Media, Centre for Trusted Internet and Community, National University of SingaporeDepartment of Communications and New Media, National University of SingaporeCentre for Quantum Technologies, National University of SingaporeAbstract 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.https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05200-4 |
| spellingShingle | María T. Soto-Sanfiel Chin-Wen Chong José I. Latorre Hype in science communication: exploring scientists’ attitudes and practices in quantum physics Humanities & Social Sciences Communications |
| title | Hype in science communication: exploring scientists’ attitudes and practices in quantum physics |
| title_full | Hype in science communication: exploring scientists’ attitudes and practices in quantum physics |
| title_fullStr | Hype in science communication: exploring scientists’ attitudes and practices in quantum physics |
| title_full_unstemmed | Hype in science communication: exploring scientists’ attitudes and practices in quantum physics |
| title_short | Hype in science communication: exploring scientists’ attitudes and practices in quantum physics |
| title_sort | hype in science communication exploring scientists attitudes and practices in quantum physics |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05200-4 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT mariatsotosanfiel hypeinsciencecommunicationexploringscientistsattitudesandpracticesinquantumphysics AT chinwenchong hypeinsciencecommunicationexploringscientistsattitudesandpracticesinquantumphysics AT joseilatorre hypeinsciencecommunicationexploringscientistsattitudesandpracticesinquantumphysics |