We found, for example, saying “Scientists believe methane emissions soared to a record in 2021” led readers to view methane levels as more a matter of opinion compared to saying “Scientists know…”

@[email protected] · 5 months ago

We found, for example, saying “Scientists believe methane emissions soared to a record in 2021” led readers to view methane levels as more a matter of opinion compared to saying “Scientists know…”

@[email protected] · 5 months ago

Well, yeah. Believe has a different meaning than know and should not be used for something that has evidence.

@CitizenKong · edit-2 5 months ago

Yeah, “scientists believe” is a contradiction in itself. Scientists hypothesize, theorize or know, or they wouldn’t be scientists.

@eatthecake · 5 months ago

I noticed a couple of years ago that the phrase ‘Here’s what we know’, or some variation thereof, has become ubiquitous in the news and I knew it was a psychological trick meant to prime the reader for factual belief. Unfortunately it leaves me with the impression that the article was written for morons by a condescending kindergarten teacher.

We found, for example, saying “Scientists believe methane emissions soared to a record in 2021” led readers to view methane levels as more a matter of opinion compared to saying “Scientists know…”

We found, for example, saying “Scientists believe methane emissions soared to a record in 2021” led readers to view methane levels as more a matter of opinion compared to saying “Scientists know…”

Just a moment...