Overview

• A new study by Alexandra Lynn Frank and colleagues, published in the Journal of Science Communication, explores the role of humor in improving public trust in science communication.
• The research involved over 2,200 participants who evaluated humorous social media posts about artificial intelligence by a fictional scientist, Dr. Jamie Devon.
• Humor combining anthropomorphism and gentle satire was rated as the most effective in enhancing both the likability of the scientist and the perceived legitimacy of the message.
• The study cautions that poorly executed humor, including sarcasm or aggressive jokes, can harm credibility and undermine trust in scientific communication.
• Findings suggest that humor, when used responsibly, can simplify complex topics, combat misinformation, and inspire curiosity about scientific subjects.