The challenges of studying misinformation, and what Wikipedia can tell us about human curiosity

First up this week, Contributing Correspondent Kai Kupferschmidt joins host Sarah Crespi to discuss the difficulties of studying misinformation. Although misinformation seems like it’s everywhere, researchers in the field don’t agree on a common definition or shared strategies for combating it.

Next, what can Wikipedia tell us about human curiosity? Dani Bassett, a professor in the department of bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania, observed three different curiosity styles in people browsing the online encyclopedia—hunter, busybody, and dancer. They explain characteristics of each style and how which approach you use could depend on where you live.

This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy.

Episode page: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.zpuwynf 

About the Science Podcast

Authors: Sarah Crespi; Kai Kupferschmidt

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