Trust in science remains strong among Finns despite rising skepticism, says University of Helsinki professor

Trust in science remains strong among Finns, yet there is a gradual increase in skepticism towards the impacts of scientific advancements and technology. Esa Väliverronen, a communication professor at the University of Helsinki, suggests that fears revolve around rapid changes in daily life due to scientific progress. Most citizens, however, maintain a realistic view; about 86% acknowledge that disagreements among experts do not undermine their faith in science. This information comes from the Science Barometer 2024 survey, which has been conducted since 2001.

The acceptance of alternative medicine and non-mainstream scientific beliefs has seen a slight increase since 2019. Trust in folk healers, homeopathy, and natural remedies is on the rise as these options gain more legitimacy alongside traditional medicine. Väliverronen indicates that this trend may be partly attributed to recent global crises and growing uncertainty. Additionally, the rise of value conservatism and authoritarian populism globally may be influencing these perceptions, as there are concerns that scientific and technological advancements could shift societal values too liberally.

The latest Science Barometer also explored attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI), revealing a cautiously positive view among Finns, with more individuals expressing favorable opinions than negative ones. Positive sentiments are strongest among those in leadership and higher income brackets, particularly in applications like facial recognition and customer service robots. Conversely, there is significant apprehension associated with AI in journalism and the use of automated weapons.

Concerns regarding climate change severity have recently surged after a downward trend over the past decades, indicating a cyclical relationship between environmental issues and economic conditions. Trust in institutions such as the military and universities remains stable, while confidence in parliament, political parties, the EU, and the church has declined.