In 2001, communication science students from FCPyS-UNAM discussed with Professor Silvia Inés Molina on the topic “Introduction to the Study of Science”: What is science? How can journalists and communication scholars work with science? What are the problems of communication and development of science; How is it related to journalism? etc.
For weeks, in various international and national forums, “scientific” evidence of the existence of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) has been discussed, not discussed, and even NASA’s missions to investigate these phenomena. In the House of Representatives, a few days ago, Jaime Mosán, at the invitation of Morena legislators, displayed supposed mummified aliens; This sparked reactions from various quarters. And the only thing they generated was an invasion, yes the only real invasion, but memes that mocked the alleged evidence.
Can the example of UFOs be studied through science journalism? Professor Molina explained that ignorance is the starting point for science, so why is ignorance necessary for the development of science? Years ago, the Greeks demonstrated that ordinary people had the ability to resurrect Doxa (opinion), but what is important is Knowledge (knowledge). Serious debate should be removed from the scientific publishing press, as much as possible Doxa It is characterized by ignorance, which according to RAE is a lack of knowledge that comes from neglect in learning.
UNAM Physics Institute experts explained in a brief statement what was presented by Jaime Mosan, who studied journalism at UNAM and at the University of Miami in Ohio, United States; The research work he conducted only determines the age of the bodies and “we can in no way reach conclusions about the origin of the mentioned samples.”
Likewise, until the mysterious morning of September 19 in search engines Google They returned more than 46 million and 700 thousand results for Jaime Mosan’s words, which shows us the interest of different people in this topic, without this meaning that there are scientific positions. Another source on this topic is a document by Vladimir Ávila Reis of the UNAM Institute of Astronomy, which answered seven questions; Among them: “Is there scientific evidence of the discovery of life outside Earth? not too far. No signs of life have been found in our solar system despite extensive searches and monitoring On site With space probes.”
Now, not only are people of unnatural opinion drawn to the waves of space, but there are many who aspire to be prophets; They issue resolutions on radio and television, with dates and times of natural disasters like Walter Mercado and Mahone Vidente, the latter warning of an earthquake larger than 6.5 this month, among other apocalyptic predictions. Here is a question and hypothesis: Why does the media give a voice to these characters? Because audiences love this content.
If we talk about space from a scientific perspective, perhaps the only story worth recognizing is the life of Jose Hernandez, a Mexican astronaut who managed to get into NASA after multiple attempts, for three reasons: study, study, study, and everything else is juggling. Which many journalists fall into the orbit of the supernatural power of the click.
Political communicator, academic at FCPyS UNAM and MA in Political Journalism @gersonmecalco
“Creator. Devoted pop culture specialist. Certified web fanatic. Unapologetic coffee lover.”