Public communication about science in 68 countries: Global evidence on how people encounter and engage with information about science

Mede, Niels G., Cologna, Viktoria, Berger, Sebastian, Besley, John C., Brick, Cameron, Joubert, Marina, W. Maibach, Edward, Mihelj, Sabina, Oreskes, Naomi, Schäfer, Mike S., and others. (2025) Public communication about science in 68 countries: Global evidence on how people encounter and engage with information about science. Science Communication, . Article Number 10755470251376615. ISSN 1075-5470. E-ISSN 1552-8545. (doi:10.1177/10755470251376615) (KAR id:111827)

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470251376615

Related resource
Resource title:	Public communication about science in 68 countries: Global evidence on how people encounter and engage with information about science
Resource type:	Pre-print
DOI:	10.31219/osf.io/xb3ha_v4
KDR/KAR URL:	https://kar.kent.ac.uk/111161/
External URL:	https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/xb3ha_v4

Abstract

This 68-country survey ( n = 71,922) examines science information diets and communication behavior, identifies cross-country differences, and tests how such differences are associated with sociopolitical and economic conditions. We find that social media are the most used sources of science information in most countries, except those with democratic-corporatist media systems where news media tend to be used more widely. People in collectivist societies are less outspoken about science in daily life, whereas lower education is associated with higher outspokenness. Limited access to digital media is correlated with participation in public protests on science matters. We discuss implications for future research, policy, and practice.

Item Type:	Article
DOI/Identification number:	10.1177/10755470251376615
Uncontrolled keywords:	science communication; public engagement with science; media use; social media; survey; comparative study; secondary data analysis
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Institutional Unit:	Schools > School of Psychology > Psychology
Former Institutional Unit:	There are no former institutional units.
Funders:	University of Kent (https://ror.org/00xkeyj56)
SWORD Depositor:	JISC Publications Router
Depositing User:	JISC Publications Router
Date Deposited:	26 Jan 2026 10:35 UTC
Last Modified:	28 Jan 2026 10:09 UTC
Resource URI:	https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/111827 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Douglas, Karen M..

Creator's ORCID:	https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0381-6924
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Toribio-Flórez, Daniel.

Creator's ORCID:	https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9706-709X
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

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