Is science reporting turning into fast food?

Abstract

I have been writing about scientific progress - first as a night-time hobby journalist and then as a full-time freelance writer - for 15 years. While we are immersed in such an occupation, it is difficult to see it evolving and to assess shifting norms and boundaries. I have recently had the opportunity to reflect on how much science reporting has changed during that time span, and what the possible impact of modern forms of communication, such as blogging, may be. I have observed that the competition for readers' attention and the general acceleration of communications has restricted the range of scientific subjects that can be reported. Only topics that can be presented in a tempting light and easily digested tend to survive, replacing food for thought with a more superficial mental diet. © Inter-Research 2008.