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Sheril R. Kirshenbaum Profile picture
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Nov 7 • 3 tweets • 1 min read
My current research involves interviewing U.S. congressional staffers about how decisions are made in the Senate & House & who they trust for accurate information. 1/
The work isn’t published yet, but I can say it’s shocking how much of what happens in politics is now influenced by #Twitter specifically & knowing how sound bites will land there. /2
This is one of many contributors to extreme political polarization.

So if Twitter burns down 🔥 we may be better off. #TwitterMigration /3

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More from @Sheril_

Sheril R. Kirshenbaum Profile picture
Dec 23, 2021
A lot of us weren’t looking the other way on vaccine skepticism. We were writing books & giving warning since 2000s.

Story is more complex. It involves $, special interests, rise of social media, risk perception, influencers + “wellness” industry. And parents seeking answers.
Also, the antivaxx movement was never just a bunch of yoga moms. /2
Looking for simple linear cause & effect relationships can be comforting, but reality is far more complex.

We have to consider human behavior, the politicization of science, outside forces, changing tech & more to begin to understand vaccine skepticism in 2021. /3
Read 4 tweets
Sheril R. Kirshenbaum Profile picture
Oct 5, 2021
Most journalists aren’t scientists & engineers. Most scientists & engineers aren’t journalists. Too often the details, nuances & solutions are lost in popular culture in favor of a click-bait doomsday narrative.

TL;DR Stop headlining climate stories w the phrase “End Times”
Consider: For every headline you see about the extreme storms, droughts, fires, floods & famines approaching (they are), how many pieces catch your attention on the ways agriculture is already changing, the impact of limiting food waste or why land use matters here & now? /2
Most headlines you see aren’t even composed by the journalist who penned the piece. They’re written separately to sound as shocking, counterintuitive or mysterious as possible bc the point is to get you to click. In part, it’s driven by advertising.

The incentives are wrong. /3
Read 4 tweets
Sheril R. Kirshenbaum Profile picture
Sep 26, 2021
As a former Senate staffer, I can confirm the interactions between scientists & policy folks in this scene are fairly realistic #DontLookUp
Also, @michiganstateu does indeed have one of the top-ranked physics & astronomy departments in the country. #GoGreen /2
This #DontLookUp clip will now be included in the talk I’m giving next week on science communication in policy. /3
Read 5 tweets
Sheril R. Kirshenbaum Profile picture
Sep 11, 2021
Perhaps news shouldn’t be entertainment.
Perhaps entertainment shouldn’t be news. /2
Imagine if news anchors had the freedom to prioritize delivering accurate information regardless of ratings, clicks or subscribers. /3
Read 4 tweets
Sheril R. Kirshenbaum Profile picture
Aug 27, 2021
Gulf waters are warm which worries me watching Ida strengthen as it approaches approach Louisiana.

The storm is headed toward gas & oil platforms, agriculture shipping points, refineries & chemical plants & given its path & timing, I can’t help but think of Katrina.
I'm not an alarmist but my expertise lies in marine science.

As a grad student in 2003, the science of hurricanes in LA terrified me. It seemed clear NOLA didn't stand a chance. We knew a Katrina-like storm would come. And we know there will be more. /2

discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/a…
We don’t know what #Ida will do yet & I’m not a meteorologist, but an oceans person.

But the science is clear. Warm ocean surface temperatures fuel more powerful storms, meaning climate change is part of how this story develops. /3
Read 4 tweets
Sheril R. Kirshenbaum Profile picture
Aug 26, 2021
We spend far too much time dreading what our climate future *may* look like instead of collectively envisioning better outcomes & working together w determination to achieve them.
How often are climate articles you read hopeful?

Yes, we need to hear about extreme storms, floods, droughts, biodiversity loss & resource conflicts. But we also need to know about the incredible work being done by people around the world to meet these challenges. /2
Doomsday narratives on climate serve as effective clickbait, but reality is far more complex than what much media highlights.
We still have opportunities to change course. And so many scientists, engineers, innovators & communities are working toward a more resilient future. 3/
Read 4 tweets

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