By Omar Castellon
Staff Writer
It seems that larger media entities only ever focus
on science when there’s the infinitesimal risk it’ll inconvenience us in some
way. The latest novelty in their eyes is the solar storm that recently hit the
earth. Unfortunately, the narrative in their coverage of this event is always the same:
There’s a chance these solar storms will knock out power grids or force
airlines to reroute flights, etc. No doubt they’re an amazing phenomenon, but
why must the focus be shifted toward the negative spectrum?
Frankly, I
understand why the subject is discussed from that particular angle, since it’s
about the only aspect of it that has any real, bread-on-the-table value. Still,
I’m of the opinion that a society is healthier the more scientifically literate
it is. In order for this literacy to grow, science should be featured in each
facet of media, especially when most of our social currency is comprised of
what we watch, read and listen to. To put it simply, the media we consume shapes what we talk about and consequently, what we deem important.
But a crucial distinction must be drawn between legitimate
discussion and fear-mongering. Recent headlines from “USA Today” and “The Los
Angeles Times” emphasized the fact that these solar storms haven’t done much of
anything so far. It’s as if they were hoping for something to happen. This situation is comparable to the media coverage that surrounded the Large Hadron Collider a few years ago. News outlets were fixated on the possibility that the machine could bring about doomsday (which it obviously hasn't) and barely glanced at the positive impact it would have on particle physics.
I realize that there exist numerous sites and publications
that focus entirely on science, but I feel that it shouldn't be treated
as a niche interest. Likewise, I’m aware that larger news bodies cover a
broad range of topics. It would be unreasonable of me to expect an overabundance
of exposure. All I ask is that science not be used in such a sensationalized
light. In the past year alone, there have been many discoveries and
advancements made that could prove incredibly beneficial to the future of humanity. Such
triumphs of ingenuity should receive far more attention than what amounts to bogeyman stories.
