Communicating Science in the 21^st Century: Challenges and Opportunities

The 21st century has brought numerous challenges to science communication. Scientists often face a skeptical public, combat mis/disinformation on social media, and must keep up with an ever-changing information environment. Further compounding these challenges is the difficulty scientists experience in translating complex information to various audiences. Solutions to these challenges are often elusive, as many so-called "common sense" communication approaches are at best ineffective, but at worst can widen the gulf between scientists and the public. This talk explores specific challenges we face and the solutions that communication research offers.