Silencing Science

Science is complex and depends on an open exchange of ideas and views. Informing the general public is a task taken on by some scientists. It is rarely in their job description. A recent poll was carried out on 320 scientists based in Germany, the UK and the US, who had spoken publically on the Covid-19 pandemic. Their appearances commonly elicited intimidation attempts. Threats of death and physical/sexual violence were received by respectively 15 and 22% of the sample. Threats were made against individuals and/or their families (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/13/scientists-abused-and-threatened-for-discussing-covid-global-survey-finds). Two thirds of the scientists polled, reported having had negative experiences after appearing in the media. Threats were mainly elicited in response to commenting on:- vaccination; wearing face masks; the origins of the Covid19 virus and the actual efficacies of alternative drugs (such as the anti-parasite medication, ivermectin) advocated as alternatives to vaccination. Sometimes, intense social media campaigns were launched against particular scientists. Little appeared to be subsequently done by Twitter etc to attempt to stop the abuse. A number of scientists who were polled, suggested they had given up all public speaking. This is another far from healthy situation, evident in social media. Threats of death and/or violence, after attempts to inform, are simply not acceptable. The scientists and the general public are both being damaged.