Most frontier and mainstream scientists embrace the premise and practice of “citizen science”—the type of research that involves the public in scientific discovery (see e.g., Finger et al., 2023). It’s a way for motivated people to contribute to scientific knowledge by collecting and sometimes analyzing data, thereby partnering with scientists to answer real-world questions. SSE’s own Journal of Scientific Exploration even has a subsection devoted to “Student and Citizen Science Research,” see e.g.: Ramesh Thadani’s (2023) “The Jersey Devil: Examining a Phenomenon Obscured by Myth (https://doi.org/10.31275/20232859) or David Schumaker et al.’s (2023) “Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Profile and Baselines at a Non-Haunted Control Location” (https://doi.org/10.31275/20232725).
But over recent years we have observed the rise of so-called “influencers” throughout society—including their overt participation (invited or not) in scientific discourse. Two major types of actors in this context are “Mobile Journalists” and “Citizen Skeptics.” Mobile journalists, or “mojos,” are professional or freelance reporters who use portable devices like smartphones, tablets, or lightweight cameras to gather, edit, and share news stories. They can work from almost anywhere, covering events in real-time and often publishing directly to online platforms or social media. This approach makes journalism faster, more flexible, and accessible, especially in breaking news situations.
Similarly, the concept of citizen skeptics has emerged in today’s interconnected world as a significant force in public discourse. These are individuals or groups who actively question, investigate, or challenge established claims, particularly those made by authorities, experts, or institutions. Mojos and citizen skeptics more broadly, operate at the intersection of empowerment, accountability, and public participation—leveraging modern tools to scrutinize information and advocate for evidence-based transparency. This all has become more pertinent given many social media platforms stopping the practice of “fact-checking"— which legally equates to mere counter-opinions endorsed by that platform's owners or managers.
Citizen skeptics and citizen scientists both represent grassroots engagement with knowledge and inquiry, but they differ in focus and approach. Citizen scientists actively participate in scientific research, collaborating with professional scientists to collect data, analyze findings, and contribute to scientific knowledge. Their efforts are typically aligned with established methodologies and aim to expand understanding within scientific frameworks.
In contrast, citizen skeptics typically focus on questioning, critiquing, and evaluating existing claims, often challenging institutional authority or alleged misinformation. While citizen scientists tend to work within the system to generate knowledge, citizen skeptics often scrutinize the system itself, advocating for accountability and transparency. Despite these differences, both roles rely on public access to information and emphasize the value of informed, active participation, underscoring the evolving relationship between expertise and public engagement in the digital age.
Empowerment Through Access to Information
The digital age has democratized access to information, enabling ordinary citizens to engage critically with complex issues. Online platforms, public records, and scientific data offer unprecedented opportunities for non-experts to examine claims and construct counter-narratives. As Brossard and Scheufele (2013) pointed out, this accessibility empowers the public to participate in scientific and policy discussions, breaking down barriers that traditionally limited such engagement to experts.
Focus on Accountability and Transparency
Citizen skeptics often emphasize the need for greater transparency and accountability within public and private institutions. By exposing perceived inconsistencies, conflicts of interest, or potential corruption, they aim to uphold ethical standards and restore trust in governance. As Callahan (2017) noted, this pursuit of accountability can serve as a check on power and privilege, promoting fairness in societal decision-making.
Community Collaboration
Collaboration plays a vital role in the efforts of citizen skeptics. Online communities and grassroots organizations serve as hubs for sharing resources, analyzing evidence, and amplifying critiques. Social media, in particular, has become a powerful tool for mobilizing collective skepticism, allowing voices to resonate far beyond traditional platforms (Hargittai & Shaw, 2013).
Critiques of Expertise and Authority
Citizen skeptics challenge the notion of unassailable expertise, often questioning the biases or errors inherent in expert judgment. While this approach can promote critical thinking and scientific literacy, it also carries risks. Lewandowsky et al. (2017) warned that skepticism, if not grounded in credible evidence, can lead to the spread of misinformation or the proliferation of conspiracy theories.
Benefits and Risks
The role of citizen skeptics in society is both impactful and complex. On the positive side, they can uncover errors, hold powerful entities accountable, and foster a more informed and engaged public (Brossard & Scheufele, 2013). However, without a strong foundation in critical thinking or reliable sources, their efforts may unintentionally contribute to the spread of pseudoscience, divisive narratives, or misinformation (Lewandowsky et al., 2017).
Supporting and Guiding the Cause
Citizen skeptics and mojos exemplify the potential for active public participation in the pursuit of truth and accountability. By questioning established norms and leveraging modern tools, they can contribute to a more participatory democratic society. However, the effectiveness of their efforts depends on their ability to approach skepticism with rigor, integrity, and a commitment to evidence-based reasoning. Frontier scientists should strive to be effective mentors in this regard. Indeed, at its worse, citizen skeptics might foster nothing more than “white noise” that irresponsibly erodes the public’s trust in science. But at its best, citizen skeptics can perform the valuable exercise of producing constructive free speech composed of cogent commentary informed by critical thinking about data and its implication.
References
Brossard, D., & Scheufele, D. A. (2013). Science, new media, and the public. Science, 339, 40–41. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1232329
Callahan, D. (2017). The givers: Wealth, power, and philanthropy in a new gilded age. Knopf.
Finger, L., van den Bogaert, V., Schmidt, L., Fleischer, J., Stadtler, M., Sommer, K., & Wirth, J. (2023). The science of citizen science: A systematic literature review on educational and scientific outcomes. Frontiers in Education, 8, Article 1226529. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1226529
Hargittai, E., & Shaw, A. (2013). Digitally savvy citizenship: The role of social media in civic participation. Daedalus, 142, 77–87. https://doi.org/10.1162/DAED_a_00218
Lewandowsky, S., Ecker, U. K. H., & Cook, J. (2017). Beyond misinformation: Understanding and coping with the "post-truth" era. Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, 6, 353–369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmac.2017.07.008