Introduction

Antiscience is more than skepticism, disagreement, or healthy debate. It is a deliberate rejection of scientific evidence, methods, and institutions, often replaced with ideology, identity, or misinformation. At its core, antiscience elevates belief over evidence and emotion over expertise. It is not simply a misunderstanding of science - it is an organized, strategic effort to undermine the role of science in public life.

"Anti-science is a lethal force that threatens human civilization and poses a "threat to humanity."

Michael E. Mann, American Climatologist and Geophysicist

Modern antiscience movements draw power from political polarization, social media amplification, and the erosion of trust in institutions. As Scientific American notes, antiscience is defined by the rejection of mainstream scientific views and their replacement with unproven or misleading theories, often for political or ideological gain. It targets scientists directly, attempts to discredit them, and spreads narratives designed to confuse the public about what is known and how it is known.

The threat this represents is not abstract. It is immediate, measurable, and deadly. TIME describes antiscience as an "existential threat", one that intersects with the climate crisis, pandemics, and the weaponization of misinformation. During COVID-19, antiscience disinformation contributed to millions of preventable deaths by undermining trust in vaccines and public health measures. Climate denialism - another form of antiscience - has slowed action on global warming, worsening extreme weather events that now claim lives and destabilize communities.

Antiscience also corrodes democracy. When citizens no longer share a common understanding of reality, evidence-based policymaking becomes impossible. Public health, environmental protection, and technological governance all depend on the ability to evaluate evidence collectively. Antiscience replaces that shared foundation with tribal identity and conspiracy thinking. As Scientific American warns, antiscience has become a "dominant and highly lethal force" that threatens global security on par with terrorism or nuclear proliferation.

The danger is amplified by modern communication systems. Social media platforms allow falsehoods to spread faster than corrections. Bots, troll networks, and coordinated disinformation campaigns create the illusion of widespread doubt where none exists. Scientists who speak publicly face harassment, threats, and organized attempts to silence them. This intimidation not only endangers individuals - it discourages experts from participating in public discourse at the very moment their voices are most needed.

Yet the threat is not inevitable. Antiscience thrives in environments where scientific literacy is low, institutions are distrusted, and misinformation spreads unchecked. Strengthening science education, improving transparency, and supporting scientists who engage with the public are essential steps toward rebuilding trust. The fight against antiscience is ultimately a fight for a shared reality - one grounded in evidence, open inquiry, and the belief that truth matters.

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