Anti-Science Advocates Are a Worldwide Problem

In my lifetime I've watched science slide into a new dark age where societies are plagued with ignorance and lack of understanding about basic facts.

In particular I've watched America sink into an anti-intellectual wasteland where social influences are more important than reality. We have a block of the population that discounts or avoids information that contradicts their beliefs. They don't understand the scientific method which requires proof before beliefs. Facts before fiction.

The United States isn't alone in this assault on science as nearly every other country in the world is contending with misinformation and downright stupidity seeping into their societies via politics and right-wing groups. 

Disinformation campaigns are so sophisticated they can fool just about anyone into believing that the moon is made of Swiss cheese.

Science has always clashed with religions, but in today's world a broad swath of the population questions science - like facts aren't enough to convince them they are wrong if they don't fall into their belief system.

Willful ignorance is common and harmful, with 40% of people choosing "not to know" the consequences of their actions to free themselves of guilt while maximizing their own gains.

Are We, the Human Race, Regressing with No Hope?

No. There's always hope.

There's a growing body of research that shows that the best way to bridge the gulf with science deniers is to engage their values. 

This may involve finding common ground between the scientists' values and the skeptics.

Here's Some Ways to Deal with Ignorance

1. Take a deep breath and remain calm

2. Ignore the comments entirely

3. Allow humor to diffuse the situation

4. Respond with short answers

5. Use this moment to inform or teach

As it Stands,

it's important to understand that attitudes can be changed with the right approach. Respect of another's feelings is important in having fruitful conversations with positive results.