The real problem is in our technologically advanced and prosperous civilization, we no longer have true survival of the fittest to weed out the morons.
I understand why you're saying that, but I would say that scientific terms shouldn't be changed just to appeal to the lowest common denominator. That isn't science, that's PR.
Now we do have a lack of good science communicators. A lot of people don't like Neil DeGrasse-Tyson, although there seems to be less hate for Bill Nye. We sure could use a guy like Carl Sagan these days though. I think what Sagan really understood and was able to do in a way that people who came after him just couldn't replicate was getting people to understand science through the wonder of it all. To show them that the real universe is a far more interesting place than anything they might read in any book of fiction from thousands of years ago.
The article that was posted earlier today about how oil and gas firms are twisting scientists words to make “uncertainty” (which is a confidence interval, not “we’re not sure”) I’m pretty sure we need to stop using certain words. At this point, PR is a major part of scientists jobs. Just like managing communications is a major part of programmers jobs, even though there’s a huge belief that programmers can’t talk to others. I won’t hire someone who can’t work with nor communicate with others. The same should apply to scientists.
We sure could use a guy like Carl Sagan these days though
Much love to Sagan but I don't agree, Sagan would have had the same issue if FB was around.
An example he'd be all in on clinate change like he was even back when he was testifying to congress and you think the digital dipshits be "oh well, if Sagan says it color me convinced" ?
There are others eg Brian Cox, (UK) James Hansen (US and a boat load of others all ignnored.
“It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character-building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known.”
We do have a number of great communicators out there, many are Youtube channel creators. They just aren't as likely to get to the majority of regular people since someone would need to start looking for answers to trigger the algorithm.
Some of the best Sagan public moments were on the Tonight Show with Carson. And Carson being a great host knew when to shut up and let a guest talk, but I think when Sagan was on Carson shut up because he was fascinated with what Sagan would say.
At first I think, this is a bunch of trolls trolling off all over each other, nobody can be this delusional. Then I realize, this sounds like some of my relatives.