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Uncertainty and Misinformation

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How to talk to conspiracy theorists

Uncertainty and Misinformation

[This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original written on 11/23/22.] My uncle is knee-deep in science conspiracy theories. Any tips on respectfully engaging him? A: Experts recommend the SART strategy: Show empathy; Affirm critical thinking; avoid Ridicule; and invoke conspiracy theory “exiters” as Trusted messengers. And it never hurts to remember Read more…

Thimerosal is safe

Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines

Thimerosal is safe. It’s only used in some multi-dose flu shots and not in routine childhood vaccines. This week the newly appointed vaccine advisors to the CDC are expected to meet to vote on “recommendations regarding thimerosal containing flu vaccines.” [archived link] Thimerosal, also known as ethyl mercury [archived link], is a harmless preservative found Read more…

What is prebunking?

Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation

Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…

How Can I Spot Misinformation & Disinformation in News Info?

Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation

Spotting misinformation (inaccurate information) and disinformation (misleading information and lies) is a vital news literacy skill, and there are several tips to help. TL;DR: Check the URL, look out for errors, question the stats, avoid clickbait, and scrutinize AI. Today, news is served up 24/7 from a range of sources—from journalists to bloggers, to influencers—on Read more…

How can you count on Those Nerdy Girls to cover current events?

Uncertainty and Misinformation

Building and maintaining trusting relationships with our readers and our partners has always been our guiding principle. We do that by doing what we have always done. And we will continue to do that now. We will: Provide evidenced-based information Address events and decisions that affect public health rather than focusing on the decision makers. Read more…

What are the Horn and Halo Effects?

Uncertainty and Misinformation

Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…

Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!

Uncertainty and Misinformation

Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…

TNG’s Executive Director Dr. Sara Gorman just published her second book!

Uncertainty and Misinformation

Did you know that TNG’s Executive Director Dr. Sara Gorman just published her second book? Here’s a little blurb from her on what the book is about. We’re certainly hearing a lot about trust these days. We’re hearing that trust in government and other societal institutions, like the healthcare system, is dwindling. So what’s going Read more…

Nerdy Girls Live 11/07/24 – Join the fight against misinformation

Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos

Join the fight against misinformation with Those Nerdy Girls and ScienceUpFirst. Learn about levels of scientific evidence, red flags, misleading tactics and tough conversations. Hosted by: Krishana Sankar, PhD: ScienceUpFirst (@scienceupfirst) Chana Davis, PhD: Those Nerdy Girls (@thosenerdygirls) ➡️ 0:00–5:42 – Welcome and Intros ➡️ 5:43– 11:59 – General strategies for polarizing conversations Our tips Read more…