A study led by Universidad Diego Portales shows that 79% of Chileans are interested in scientific topics, but inequalities persist by income, age, and gender. While 92% of households earning over $1.5 million express high interest, this drops to 75% for those under $500,000. The findings underscore the need to bridge gaps in access to scientific knowledge.
The report 'Perceptions and Habits of Science Information Consumption in Chile', led by academic Macarena Peña y Lillo from UDP's School of Journalism, in collaboration with Universidad Andrés Bello, U. de Antofagasta, and the Chilean Antarctic Institute, examined public interest in science through a survey of over 2,000 people aged 18 to 85. The sample, with an average age of 39.5 years and 53.4% women, revealed that 79% are interested or very interested in scientific topics, particularly medical and health sciences, engineering, technology, and natural sciences, while agricultural and veterinary fields attract less attention.
However, socioeconomic gaps are evident: 'The 92% of people in the high-income group (over $1.5 million monthly) express high interest in science, compared to 75% in the low-income group (under $500,000)', explained Peña y Lillo. This impacts not only interest but trust in scientific institutions, with one in four low-income households showing no interest in scientific knowledge.
Consumption occurs mainly through search engines like Google, YouTube, documentaries, and specialized TV. Age differences show 90% interest among older adults (66-85 years) versus 75% in youth (18-25), though the latter consume more on social networks like Instagram and TikTok. Men report higher interest than women. In focus groups in Antofagasta and Punta Arenas, popularizers like José Maza, Tere Paneque, and Cristina Dorador were mentioned, but Peña y Lillo warned: 'The democratization of access to scientific information through social networks brings the risk of proliferating unvalidated scientific discourses'.
The findings pose challenges to strengthen science's territorial presence and improve communication channels in a fragmented media ecosystem, promoting equitable access to knowledge.
