GEO-PIE Project: Mass Media and Public Opinion
Home : Media & Opinion
Mass Media and Public Opinion
What traits have been genetically engineered into crops?
Which foods have been genetically engineered?
What are the health, environmental, and social issues associated with genetic engineering?
How is genetic engineering regulated in the United States?
Media coverage and public opinion of genetic engineering
Printable fact sheets, helpful links, site index, and more
About the creators of the GEO-PIE Project
  
A pair enjoys the view of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C. during the cherry blossom season.
In this new and growing section, we explore topics related to the intersection of genetic engineering and public communication: mass media and public opinion.
   

On This Page:

Genetic engineering in the news: Our anaylsis of coverage
Public opinion of genetic engineering
Genetic engineering urban legends

 

 

 

  

Genetic Engineering in the News: Our Analysis of Coverage

Here we present our take on the presentation of genetic engineering in the mass media. We provide background information and additional depth on the coverage you see on the news, and correct misconceptions or inaccuracies when present.

Phil Donahue Show on MSNBC
Genetic engineering debate between Martina McGloughlin and Nell Newman [originally aired August 14, 2002].

[top of page]

Public Opinion of Genetic Engineering

Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the public's opinions— both in the U.S. and around the world— on the use of genetic engineering. We will begin to consider some of these reports here.

Public Opinion of Biotechnology in New York State
Report 1: Recent poll of New Yorkers finds them evenly split on the use of biotechnology in food and agriculture. Read the press release and full report (pdf) here.

Public Opinion of Biotechnology in New York State
Report 2: Attention to television news may have a negative impact on support for agricultural biotechnology, while attention to science television and entertainment television is associated with more support. Read the full report (pdf) here.

[top of page]

Genetic Engineering Urban Legends

Communication about a complex science like genetic engineering may always have some inaccuracies and biases, but there are some stories on the subject that are so incorrect— and so often repeated— that they deserve their own section. Some started with a kernel of truth that has been distorted over time under layers of "spin"; others have stretched credulity from the start. Here's a few of our favorites.

Did you hear the one about...

...how you might be eating tomatoes or strawberries with fish genes?
Nothing could sound more icky. But do they really exist?

...how KFC uses chickens so genetically engineered that they can't be called "chicken" anymore?
 The true story behind Kentucky Fried Chicken's "Animal 57."

... the farmer sued by Monsanto over pollen contamination of his own crop?
Canola farmer Percy Schmeiser was indeed sued by Monsanto, but have you heard the whole story?

[top of page]