Geoethics and New Medias: Sharing Knowledge and Values

Abstract

Today’s widespread diffusion of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has accelerated the access and circulation of information. Although relevant benefits have been produced thanks to the incredible spread and speed of information, on the other hand this speed has also enlarged the demand for content, causing a tremendous downfall in accuracy and veracity of information. This phenomenon is particularly visible in the domain of scientific journalism. To counteract this negative consequence, geoethics indicates engaging in science communication as one of the responsibilities of a geoscientist. However, even if the relevance of this duty is almost universally recognized, generally geoscientists lack the proper digital skills to effectively use new media. As most of the content shared and consumed on the internet is delivered through new platforms, we contend that geoscientists should be trained in specific digital skills in order to improve the effectiveness of their science communication. Within this study, firstly, the above mentioned considerations will be proven discussing the current state of scientific journalism and the relevance of teaching geoethics at higher education level. Secondly, an analysis of the most needed digital communication skills for geoscientists will be conducted. Finally, building on the results reached in the previous sections, it will be presented a suggestion on the best way to include digital skills courses within the framework of geoethics and geosciences. The innovative aspect of this research lays in its multidisciplinarity, as it links geosciences, science communication and ICTs. Moreover, as training in geoethics has not been implemented in the geosciences curricula, yet, this paper aims to spread its knowledge and provide guidelines to its implementation at Higher Education.