Stephen Hawking, the extra-ordinary man and an outstanding luminary of modern science, often lamented the inability of media to project super heroes in science. “The media need superheroes in science just as in every sphere of life’ he used to say. it is essential to acknowledge the indispensable role of media, and in current times, social or digital media, in disseminating India’s strides in science and technology. The recognition of this pivotal role and to leverage it effectively becomes an imperative as we chart our course towards becoming a global powerhouse. Because, India today, indeed, finds herself in an unprecedented position to set a new course of diplomacy, namely science diplomacy.
The intersection of Science, Technology, Media, and Diplomacy, therefore, is an intersection that is both critical and compelling, specially at a time when India has acquired capabilities in such diverse fields as space technology, vaccine manufacturing, and quantum computing, whose immense potential is available to be harnessed for global leadership.
An Intersection Needing Synergy
It is difficult not to acknowledgement this rare synergy that exists and can be strengthened, that of science, technology, media, and the unyielding spirit of an emerging superpower. This dynamic interplay is not just a convergence of disciplines but a nexus where innovation, progress, and the power of communication coalesce.
For media to justify its existential role it indeed needs the superheroes of science as much as the scientists and technologists need them to disseminate the seeds of progress and growth to the people at large. Thus, media becomes not just a transmitter of information but a crucial player in shaping public perceptions and understanding. The public’s understanding of science relies on the responsible communication of media professionals and respected scientists. And credibility and legitimacy of scientific work can be best provided by media.
“Whoever controls the media, controls the mind’, this pithy remark of Jim Morrison, himself an extra-ordinary product of talent and media synergy, aptly sums up the place of media in our lives. The profound impact of media on shaping perceptions, including in science and technology, is undeniable. In this age of information, media acts as the bridge between laboratories and living rooms, offering a window into the transformative developments in research and innovation. It becomes not just a source of news but a catalyst for societal progress, shaping perceptions, and influencing public discourse and policy decisions.
The Transforming Media Landscape
The media landscape, however, has irreversibly changed, with social and digital media finding an increasingly unyielding space. The power and reach of social media is unmistakable. There are many positives of social media. It is instant, it remains unadulterated and it has handed over the generation and transmission of information to masses. The dark side of social media is that, within seconds, anything can be blown out of proportion and taken out of context. And it’s very difficult not to get swept up in it all.
The fusion of traditional and social media has thus, birthed a dynamic environment where information is generated instantaneously and has become a powerful tool and a potential weapon, as never before.
Governments everywhere, therefore, must navigate the opportunities presented by social media while addressing challenges to effectively communicate, build relationships, and advance diplomatic objectives. In this complex landscape, data-driven journalism, empowered by technology, enhances storytelling through data visualization and interactive graphics, fostering a comprehensive understanding of scientific issues. Social media platforms have evolved into hubs for disseminating scientific information, engaging citizens in research initiatives through citizen science projects, and leveraging real-time reporting on breakthroughs.
Misinformation and Disinformation
Yet, as we tread this path of enlightenment, we must be vigilant against the lurking shadows of misinformation and disinformation. In the age of viral content and instant communication, false narratives can spread like wildfire, eroding the very foundations of trust in scientific progress. Media, both traditional and social, must stand as guardians of truth, ensuring that accurate and verified information takes precedence over sensationalism.
The natural expectation from media, therefore, is that the positive aspects of science and technology are not just reported but celebrated, that media plays a crucial role in making these scientific achievements relatable, fostering a culture of curiosity, and inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
However, we must recognize that media, while technologically more professional and empowered, faces serious ethical challenges and moral vulnerabilities. It is at times capricious and readily amenable to concerns of commerce. The prevailing and pernicious phenomenon of ‘fake news’ poses a formidable threat to truth. The digital divide and access inequities, privacy concerns, and ethical implications demand constant vigilance and require careful navigation to ensure a balanced approach to technology-driven media.
Science Need Media
And yet, we need media. And to neutralize and negate the perfidious and fissiparous forces is to overwhelmingly create positive narratives. The best antidote to a negative narrative is to create a bigger, larger, more convincing positive narrative. And that may not be so difficult, particularly as it would be a faithful and genuine reporting of the progress to the world at large. “Don’t hate the media, become the media” says Jello Biafra. I am convinced that this attitude of positive and affirmative activism in speaking, writing and discussing about the good work being done in the fields of science and technology should be as much a part of our science and technology policy agenda as is our focus on core issues of research and discovery.
Clearly, there are two areas where the role of media is extraordinarily significant and crucial. One area is, as I have explained earlier, reporting to the world at large the strides the country is taking in Science & technology. The second, and perhaps a more important objective is to disseminate the gains of these achievements to common people, people in far-flung villages, small towns, remote areas, in simple and easily understandable language. The hermetic lingo of research must be transcribed into ordinary language of the masses. Because these gains have to be harnessed by people across the country. They not only have to be made aware of the advances being made but also be made partners in this journey.
(To Be Continued……)
scribo ad LX 