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I used to feel the same way, but I think there's some value in simplifying or making scientific ideas more attractive. The avg tax payer is not interested in o
by lamename 8y ago
I used to feel the same way, but I think there's some value in simplifying or making scientific ideas more attractive.
The avg tax payer is not interested in obscurity for the sake of accuracy. This is a flaw of the human mind, but something to be exploited rather than resisted when conveying complex ideas.
Of course there should be subtleties mentioned in these articles, but for a headline? I think it's ok to get people excited.
*I'm aware that evolution in particular is poorly misunderstood by some sections of the public, and anthropomorphism in this case may be worse than the general case I'm talking about.
- tome 8y agoMetaphor is important for reasoning and understanding, especially when it comes to systems.
- cgriswald 8y agoThere is a ton of value in making scientific ideas simpler. Sagan, Hawking, and plenty of others have done a great job taking complex ideas and distilling them down into apt metaphors for public consumption without grossly misrepresenting the ideas. This clickbaity title with a questionable metaphor isn't exactly in the same class. > Of course there should be subtleties mentioned in these articles, but for a headline? I think it's ok to get people excited. Just to disappoint them later? "Amazing thing! Okay, now that we have your attention, here's the boring truth with precious little detail, but you'll see that what we said was technically true or could be in the future." That disappointment was what taught me as a child that people can write anything, it doesn't have to be accurate or true. So I guess some good comes out of it, but it's always been a huge turn off for me.
- Varcht 8y agoTitles like these add a level of spookiness for people to misunderstand. Not as impactful as Pixar but still a problem.