The mutualistic symbiosis of public and scientific attention in science communication.
Yunqian Zhou, Panlong Zhu, Yixue Xia, Zameer Hassan
Abstract
Open AccessThis study examines the bidirectional tension between public and scientific attention amid informatization, analyzing their mutualistic symbiosis to address science communication challenges. We constructed a mathematical model of mutualistic symbiosis in their relationship was developed based on the Logistic Model. Subsequently, numerical simulations were employed to investigate the evolutionary trends and patterns of scientific attention, public attention, and the effectiveness of science communication under varying modes of public attention and initial values of scientific attention. Furthermore, using "COVID-19" as a case study, an empirical analysis was conducted on to assess the correlation between public attention and scientific attention and evaluate the constructed mathematical Model, verifying its scientific validity and effectiveness. This study underscores the critical role of science communication in fostering advantageous interactions between scientific and public attention. Nonetheless, it is imperative to adopt tailored science communication strategies that accommodate diverse public attention modes and initial levels of scientific attention while selecting appropriate symbiotic models for specific contexts. This proposed approach ensures the effective dissemination of scientific information and fosters a robust science communication ecosystem.