82 Science Journalism & Misinformation: Best Practices Being ND Online with Emily Earlenbaugh
Jan 18, 2025
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Emily Earlenbaugh, a science writer and AuDHD coach, brings her expertise in neurodivergence and accuracy in science journalism. She discusses how social media can both share valuable insights and spread misinformation, urging listeners to engage critically with scientific claims. Emily emphasizes the need for better media literacy and highlights the importance of inclusive research methodologies that reflect diverse experiences. The conversation also touches on the complexities of personal identity and the impact of labels for neurodivergent individuals.
Navigating science journalism requires critical engagement with information, particularly on social media where misinformation can easily spread.
The complexity of neurodivergent identities highlights the importance of personal definitions, which can empower individuals beyond rigid labels.
Bias in scientific research about neurodivergence underscores the need for scrutiny in methodologies, ensuring that narratives capture the diversity of experiences.
Deep dives
Understanding Neurodivergence
Neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism and ADHD, often face unique challenges and possess distinct strengths that deserve recognition. The journey of self-discovery regarding one's neurodivergent identity is complex, especially when diagnoses occur later in life. It is crucial to foster an environment that both accepts and celebrates these differences, creating a sense of belonging within the neurodivergent community. Sharing personal experiences and insights can bridge understanding and help navigate the intricacies of these identities.
The Role of Social Media in Misinformation
Social media serves as both a community resource and a catalyst for misinformation regarding neurodivergence. While it provides a platform for individuals to share their experiences and learn, the rapid circulation of information often distorts factual content. Common themes of misinformation include oversimplified claims, such as linking ADHD and autism as the same disorder based on unverified hypotheses. Acknowledging the duality of social media as a tool for connection and potential misinformation can empower users to engage critically with the information they encounter.
Navigating Scientific Research and Bias
The current landscape of scientific research surrounding neurodivergence exhibits a substantial amount of bias, often shaped by societal and financial influences. Researchers' perspectives can impact the reality of findings, leading to oversimplified narratives that fail to capture the complexity of neurodivergent experiences. For instance, biases may lead to conclusions that propose a single genetic explanation for autism, overlooking the multifaceted and individualized nature of such conditions. Scrutinizing the methodology and motivations behind studies is essential for drawing accurate conclusions from scientific literature.
The Importance of Language and Identity
The way neurodivergent identities are framed and labeled is a topic of ongoing discussion within the community. Labels like 'autism' and 'ADHD' serve as tools for understanding experiences but can also constrain individual identities. Many people have unique experiences that do not always align with rigid definitions, often sparking debates over what these labels truly encompass. Encouraging personal definitions of identity fosters a sense of autonomy, allowing individuals to explore how they relate to their neurodivergence without being confined to societal expectations.
Promoting Engaging Conversations
Engagement and dialogue among neurodivergent individuals can facilitate a deeper understanding of diverse experiences. Creating an environment where individuals feel safe to share differing perspectives promotes learning and grows the collective knowledge base around neurodivergence. Approaching conversations with openness and a willingness to understand and incorporate various views can diminish the stigma surrounding neurodivergent identities. Ultimately, fostering respectful and informed discussions can strengthen the neurodivergent community and improve connections among its members.
Emily is a science writer, AuDHDer, and ND-affirming coach.
They share online about neurodivergence topics and accuracy in science journalism as The Neurodivergent Well.
In this episode, we talk about best practices as a consumer of science info online, especially via social media. If you don't have time or capacity to read journal articles, what CAN you do?
Emily shares multiple approaches to being a better online citizen when we take in and share information.
There's also a lovely bit about the complexity of identity, and whether the labels we use are accurate and useful.
p.s. Emily has a doctorate in the Philosophy of Science, and over 10 years professional experience in writing and editing
