Disinformation and water crisis: the role of scientific journalism in forming public opinion

• Grant number: 24/21478-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Journalism
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geology
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo César Aoki Hirata
• Grantee: Isabela Vidal Batistella
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências (IGC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Campus De Bauru - Administração Geral, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/15434-0 - SACRE: integrated water solutions for resilient cities, AP.TEM

Abstract

This research project aims to strengthen the mediation between the scientific aspects linked to the water crisis studied by the Integrated Water Solutions for Resilient Cities Project (SACRE, Fapesp 2020/15434-0), with their nuances and interdisciplinary perspectives for society, with a focus on members of the Bauru community, and stakeholders responsible for or interested in organizing public and "private water production." To this end, it is understood as essential to reflect on and analyze the public perception of the water crisis and regional water distribution to understand the target audience of the project and their interpretations and preconceptions about the key theme. Thus, the project also seeks to analyze the impacts and damages generated by misinformation in the context of new technologies, reflecting on the role of journalism in this scenario and how Scientific Journalism can work to develop public awareness based on facts and science, using transparency and democratic scientific analysis to promote the population's understanding of the complexities surrounding the water crisis and its possible solutions. In this sense, it focuses on the concept of media literacy and media and information literacy, following the principles addressed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), with its guidelines for formulating policies and strategies. To this end, the project aims, through the production of journalistic and informational content about the scientific research of the SACRE Project, using the concepts and rules of Scientific Journalism, to facilitate the public reception of the research linked to the project, to find an efficient and effective way to increase public awareness around the water crisis and its complexities. In conclusion, it analyzes the social perception of water resources and how this can affect the implementation of the SACRE Project and how social communication can assist the project, formulating alternative proposals to raise public awareness, integrating scientific concepts, and expanding population knowledge.