Popularization of Science in Ukraine: Mass Media Trends

Abstract

The article studies the present status of scientific journalism in Ukraine. It is stated that there is a certain lack of effective communication between scientists and the society. The author shows the negative dynamics of the presence of popular scientific content in media space structure, among such are a numerical decrease of news on scientific facts and discoveries, closing of headings devoted to science, reduction of the texts about outstanding scientists. The main problems of incorrect coverage of scientific issues are defined and analyzed, among them are the following: inversion of scientific facts, promotion of sensations and pathogenic content, leveling of scientific and pseudoscientific news. The author also covers the question of inadequate professional media and scientific training of the future science popularizers. The main features, a thematic specter and the forms of presenting scientific popular information in the media are identified. The article analyses the potential of new communication technologies in optimizing the scientific popular content in mass media. The author characterizes new communication platforms for effective promotion of the scientific content to different target audiences. The relevant issues for scientific popular mass media discourse and key tasks to be covered in scientific communication texts are defined. They vary from a simple statement of scientific facts to the formation of worldview, based on the relevant scientific paradigm. The article researches cognitive procedures that help to adapt scientific information to the ordinary perception by mass consciousness. The author discovers stereotypization as a mechanism of performing informational-educational function which is significant for scientific communication. Particular examples of stereotypical performing of scientific material have been analyzed.