Curiosity Theory People Trust TikTok over PhDs: The Misinformation Nation
Jul 15, 2025
Delve into the murky waters of misinformation and the decline of science literacy. The hosts tackle the crisis of trust in experts, revealing how funding cuts impact researchers. Discover the tension on TikTok between engaging content and accurate science. Historical cases of mistrust underscore the exploitation in research, while navigating cosmic measurements brings skepticism into focus. Explore the vital role of critical thinking in assessing scientific claims amidst sensationalism, emphasizing the importance of understanding the scientific method.
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Eroding Trust in Expertise
- Expertise is increasingly distrusted, even when it's based on advanced education like a PhD.
- This skepticism stems from government and authority mistrust, especially in marginalized communities.
Historical Science Abuses Fuel Skepticism
- Historical abuses like the Tuskegee syphilis experiment justify mistrust in scientific and governmental authority.
- Such violations are extreme examples but understandably fuel ongoing skepticism toward institutions.
Terrence Howard's Scientific Rebuttal
- Terrence Howard's unscientific ideas faced critical peer review from experts like Neil deGrasse Tyson.
- The public often mistakes confident but uninformed speech for credible science.
