Distrust - Kirjakasa

Hardcover, 336 pages

English language

Published Aug. 12, 2023 by Oxford University Press.

ISBN:: 978-0-19-286845-9
Goodreads:: 62871034

(1 review)

The book argues that science's credibility is being undermined by tools created by scientists themselves. The book contains a large collection of entertaining and accessible examples, including references to COVID disinformation and conspiracy theories and outlines the threats posed by data torturing and data mining. The book encourages readers to take action to counteract disinformation and restore the credibility of science.

There is no doubt science is currently suffering from a credibility crisis.

This thought-provoking book argues that, ironically, science's credibility is being undermined by tools created by scientists themselves. Scientific disinformation and damaging conspiracy theories are rife because of the internet that science created, the scientific demand for empirical evidence and statistical significance leads to data torturing and confirmation bias, and data mining is fuelled by the technological advances in Big Data and the development of ever-increasingly powerful computers.

Using a wide range of entertaining examples, this fascinating book …

The book argues that science's credibility is being undermined by tools created by scientists themselves. The book contains a large collection of entertaining and accessible examples, including references to COVID disinformation and conspiracy theories and outlines the threats posed by data torturing and data mining. The book encourages readers to take action to counteract disinformation and restore the credibility of science.

There is no doubt science is currently suffering from a credibility crisis.

This thought-provoking book argues that, ironically, science's credibility is being undermined by tools created by scientists themselves. Scientific disinformation and damaging conspiracy theories are rife because of the internet that science created, the scientific demand for empirical evidence and statistical significance leads to data torturing and confirmation bias, and data mining is fuelled by the technological advances in Big Data and the development of ever-increasingly powerful computers.

Using a wide range of entertaining examples, this fascinating book examines the impacts of society's growing distrust of science, and ultimately provides constructive suggestions for restoring the credibility of the scientific community.

1 edition

Anders reviewed Distrust by Gary Smith

A call of warning

4 stars

We are constantly bombarded with claims on how artificial intelligence, big data and other advances in technology and science is going to improve our everyday life. These claims oversell and underdeliver the actual capabilities. This book explain the mechanisms at work and attempts to provide actionable advice on how to to improve. One example of the advice provided is to improve education around the known pitfalls of our current technology. An other example and perhaps the most useful advice is stated in the title: Distrust!

The book goes from one topic to the next a bit without any clear direction. I would still recommend this book to everybody in technology, especially if you are in to artificial intelligence, big data or blockchain technology.