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Review
. 2021 Apr 13;118(15):e1912444117.
doi: 10.1073/pnas.1912444117.

Misinformation in and about science

Jevin D West  1 , Carl T Bergstrom  2
Affiliations
Review

Misinformation in and about science

Jevin D West et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. .

Erratum in

Abstract

Humans learn about the world by collectively acquiring information, filtering it, and sharing what we know. Misinformation undermines this process. The repercussions are extensive. Without reliable and accurate sources of information, we cannot hope to halt climate change, make reasoned democratic decisions, or control a global pandemic. Most analyses of misinformation focus on popular and social media, but the scientific enterprise faces a parallel set of problems-from hype and hyperbole to publication bias and citation misdirection, predatory publishing, and filter bubbles. In this perspective, we highlight these parallels and discuss future research directions and interventions.

Keywords: data reasoning; disinformation; fake news; misinformation; science communication.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interest.

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