How Science Becomes Gardening Myth

In the age of Google, online influencers, and increasingly AI generated content, it's easy to stumble upon entrenched gardening myths that seems too good to be true. Fast talking influential hucksters cranking out more and more viral Tik-Tok videos with massive follower counts make it challenging to separate fact from fiction. How do researched scientific facts morph into an internet viral myths? Let's explore this transformation, uncover the psychological factors at play, and learn how to navigate gardening advice more critically.

The Scientific Process: From Lab to Public Perception

Research and Discovery

Scientific research starts with detailed experiments designed to test specific hypotheses. For example, researchers may investigate whether a particular substance increases the bioavailability of essential nutrients. These studies involve rigorous lab experiments and field studies to gather evidence and determine the effectiveness of the substance in addressing the identified issue.

The research undergoes peer review, where experts in the field critically evaluate the methodology and findings. Only after successfully passing this evaluation are the results published in scientific journals. These journals share the findings with the scientific community and, occasionally, with the public through media releases and popular science articles.

Communication of Findings

Once published, the research findings are disseminated. Scientific journals typically use technical language, which can be complex for the general public. To make these findings more accessible, popular science articles and press releases simplify the information. This is where distortions can occur. Simplified summaries and attention-grabbing headlines can sometimes misrepresent the research’s scope or implications, leading to misunderstandings or exaggerated claims about the study’s conclusions.

The Journey from Fact to Myth

Simplification of Complex Information

Complex scientific data often needs to be distilled into simpler, more digestible formats for the general public. While this simplification helps in spreading knowledge, it can also introduce inaccuracies. For instance:

Original research might indicate that a particular substance has a certain effect, but that the process is slow or dependent on specific conditions. Simplified summaries may state that the substance provides the intended benefit without mentioning the detailed conditions or timeframes involved. This omission can lead to misconceptions about the substance’s effectiveness or practical application.

Similarly, research on a compound’s impact on specific conditions might show that it is effective under controlled environments. However, simplified versions of these findings may exaggerate the results, suggesting that the compound can address all related issues universally, without accounting for the nuances and limitations of the original study.

Misinterpretation and Exaggeration

Once information is simplified, it can be prone to misinterpretation or exaggeration. For instance, a claim that a substance has specific beneficial properties under certain conditions might be misinterpreted as having universal effectiveness. This can lead to exaggerated assertions that the substance is a cure-all or solution for a wide range of problems, often with oversimplified instructions or incorrect applications.

Misinterpretation frequently arises from the search for quick fixes to complex issues. When scientific findings do not provide instant solutions, myths can emerge. For example, the idea that a particular method or product can universally solve a problem may be an exaggeration of the original research. While a method might have shown effectiveness in controlled environments, it does not necessarily translate to broad, real-world applications. Similarly, claims about general benefits, such as improving conditions in various settings, might overlook important contextual factors that limit the applicability of the findings.

Social Media and Online Amplification

Social media, online forums, and blogs play a crucial role in amplifying information. A single blog post or viral social media update can quickly spread misinformation. As a piece of information gains popularity, it is shared and reshared, often with additional embellishments. This amplification effect can transform a small kernel of truth into a widespread myth.

For instance, a viral social media post or influencer claim might suggest that a particular substance is essential for maintaining specific plant features. While the substance may contribute to general plant health, exaggerated claims about its role in maintaining unique characteristics can distort the actual science. For example, while silica supports overall plant resilience, claiming it will preserve specific leaf coloration or patterns is an overstatement. There is no direct scientific evidence linking silica to the maintenance of variegated leaf tissues, which are naturally more susceptible to aging. Such misinformation, when repeatedly shared, can become accepted as fact despite its lack of scientific support or reliance on mistaken correlations.

Examples of Popular Plant and Garden Myths

Psychological Factors Contributing to Myth Formation

Cognitive Biases

Several cognitive biases contribute to the spread of gardening myths:

• Confirmation bias: Leads people to favour information that supports their existing beliefs. If someone believes that misting a plant and/or pebble trays are a great solution to increase relative humidity, they may overlook evidence to the contrary and focus on anecdotal success stories.
• Illusory correlation: People often perceive a relationship between two unrelated events or phenomena. For instance, if an unlikely gardener uses eggshells in their garden and notices a reduction in blossom end rot, they might attribute the improvement entirely to the eggshells, overlooking other factors like improved watering consistency.

Social Proof and Herd Behaviour

Social proof refers to the tendency to rely on the actions or beliefs of others when forming our own opinions. If a popular blog or social media influencer claims that a certain method works, people are more likely to accept it as true - this is rampant these days with fast paced highly charismatic Tik-Tok videos and YouTube Shorts. Herd behaviour amplifies this effect, as people follow trends and practices based on what others are doing, rather than evaluating the evidence themselves.

Emotional Appeal

Myths often appeal to our emotions or desires for easy solutions. The idea that a common household item like cinnamon can solve complex gardening problems is attractive and satisfying. This emotional appeal can overshadow the need for critical evaluation and scientific understanding.

Mitigating the Spread of Gardening Myths

Critical Thinking and Media Literacy

Developing critical thinking skills is essential for navigating the minefield of gardening advice (and anything else for that matter). What does this mean and how do you put this into practice?

1. Question Assumptions

• Challenge Assumptions: Don’t take information at face value. Ask yourself why something is being presented and what underlying assumptions are at play.
• Seek Alternatives: Consider different perspectives and possible explanations for the information or situation.

2. Evaluate Evidence

• Check Sources: Verify the credibility and reliability of the sources providing information. Look for evidence from reputable and unbiased sources.
• Analyze Data: Examine the evidence presented. Look for data, statistics, and research that support or refute the claims being made.

3. Reflect on Your Thinking Process

• Self-Assessment: Regularly reflect on your thought processes and decisions. Consider if there were any biases or gaps in your reasoning.
• Seek Feedback: Discuss your thought processes and conclusions with others. Their feedback can provide new insights and help you see different angles.

4. Practice Active Listening

• Understand Before Responding: Listen carefully to others before formulating your response or opinion. Ensure you fully understand their points of view.
• Ask Clarifying Questions: If something is unclear, ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of the topic.

5. Develop Problem-Solving Skills

• Break Down Problems: Divide complex issues into smaller, manageable parts. Analyze each part systematically to find solutions.
• Consider Consequences: Think through the potential outcomes of different decisions and actions before making a choice.

6. Engage in Reflective Reading

• Critical Reading: Read actively and critically. Look for the main arguments, evidence provided, and the author’s conclusions.
• Question the Author: Ask yourself what the author’s purpose is and whether their arguments are supported by evidence.

7. Avoid Cognitive Biases

• Be Aware of Biases: Recognize common cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, anchoring, and overconfidence, and actively work to mitigate their effects on your thinking.
• Diversify Perspectives: Expose yourself to different viewpoints and sources of information to counteract personal biases.

8. Cultivate Curiosity

• Ask Questions: Develop a habit of asking probing questions about various topics to deepen your understanding.
• Explore New Topics: Challenge yourself to learn about subjects outside your usual areas of interest to broaden your perspective.

9. Apply Logical Reasoning

• Use Logical Fallacies: Learn about common logical fallacies and practice identifying them in arguments. Avoid using fallacious reasoning in your own arguments.
• Build Strong Arguments: Ensure your arguments are well-structured, with clear premises leading to logical conclusions.

10. Practice Regularly

• Engage in Discussions: Participate in discussions and debates to practice and refine your critical thinking skills.
• Reflect on Decisions: After making decisions, reflect on the process and outcomes to learn from your experiences and improve your critical thinking.

The Last Word

The journey from scientific fact to internet myth is a complex process involving simplification, misinterpretation, and amplification. Understanding how this transformation occurs can help us assess gardening advice from a more critical viewpoint and avoid falling for myths. By fostering critical thinking, promoting accurate information, and supporting educational initiatives, we can ensure that plant care and gardening practices are based on sound science rather than distorted myths.