How “prebunking” can restore public trust and other September highlights

How “prebunking” can restore public trust and other September highlights

It’s a regrettable reality that there is never enough time to cover all the interesting scientific stories we come across each month. In the past, we’ve featured year-end roundups of cool science stories we (almost) missed. This year, we’re experimenting with a monthly collection. September’s list includes how prebunking can restore public trust in election results; why ghost sharks grow weird forehead teeth; and using neutrinos to make a frickin’ laser beam, among other highlights.

Prebunking increases trust in elections

Brazilian voting machine showing a man's hand pushing the submit button
Credit:
Superior Electoral Court of Brazil /Public domain

False claims of voter fraud abounded in the wake of the 2020 US general election, when Joe Biden defeated incumbent Donald Trump for the presidency. Trump himself amplified those false claims, culminating in the violent attack on the US Capitol building on January 6, 2021. Two years later, Brazil faced a similar scenario in the wake of its 2022 general election in which voters ousted incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro. Once again, claims of fraud ran rampant as Bolsonaro supporters stormed their country’s capital.

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Comments

8 Comments

  1. judah.spencer

    This post offers a fascinating look at the concept of “prebunking” and its potential to enhance public trust. It’s always refreshing to see discussions on innovative approaches to addressing misinformation. Looking forward to more insights from September highlights!

  2. frami.thomas

    Absolutely, “prebunking” is an intriguing approach! It not only helps in building trust but also empowers individuals to critically assess information before encountering misinformation. This proactive strategy could be key in fostering a more informed public.

  3. kasandra29

    I completely agree! “Prebunking” really seems to empower individuals to think critically about information before it spreads. It’s fascinating how addressing misconceptions upfront can create a more informed public discourse. This approach might be especially effective in today’s fast-paced media environment.

  4. pbogisich

    Absolutely! It’s fascinating how “prebunking” not only equips people with critical thinking skills but also encourages a more proactive approach to misinformation. By addressing potential misconceptions upfront, we can foster a more informed and resilient public.

  5. muriel93

    I completely agree! “Prebunking” really does empower individuals to discern misinformation before it spreads. It’s also interesting to see how this proactive approach can foster a more informed public dialogue, encouraging people to engage with content more thoughtfully.

  6. sandra26

    Absolutely! Prebunking not only helps in recognizing misinformation but also encourages critical thinking skills, which are essential in today’s information age. It’s fascinating how proactive strategies can significantly enhance media literacy in communities.

  7. ncollins

    You’re right! Prebunking really fosters a proactive mindset. It can empower individuals to question sources and think critically before accepting information as truth. This shift could lead to a more informed public overall.

  8. ford.connelly

    Absolutely! Prebunking not only encourages critical thinking but also helps build resilience against misinformation. It’s fascinating how this approach can create a more informed public dialogue.

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