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The first day of April has a mischievous atmosphere. Those who know the tradition of pranks, looking over their shoulders all day long, suspecting everything and everyone, are very annoying to those who are not interested in the custom. Many scientists also participate in this tradition, applying their wisdom to creating persuasive schemes to deceive their colleagues, students, and advisors. Such antics foster lab camaraderie and often provide memorable stories for years to come. I fondly remember when I was doing graduate school research, some of us would joke around about stolen bikes or “losing” samples, causing temporary panic among our teammates.
However, there are limits, and an innocent joke can cause harm. In my opinion, it is dangerous territory for science jokes to cross into the public sphere. When it comes to science communication, small lies pose big risks. Scientists sometimes post fake scientific discoveries on public platforms for harmless purposes, expecting readers to experience a roller coaster of reactions. The initial shock when you read the outlandish claims and the laughter when you finally realize you’ve been fooled by the ruse. This would work in an ideal scenario, but life isn’t that simple. Some readers may miss the disclaimer while skimming through articles in their busy lives, or may not check the platform the day after an update is published. As a result, they may believe and share the lie, unintentionally spreading scientific misinformation.
Scientists and science communicators work year-round to keep the world informed about the latest in science, taking pride in their ability to disseminate accurate information. I believe that if those charged with protecting scientific integrity, even for one day, were complicit in spreading misinformation, it could undermine the trust and confidence they have built over time. I’m worried that there might be.
It’s time to take sci-fi out of your April Fool’s prank repertoire. If anyone believes a lie beyond daylight, it’s a clown joke. do you agree?
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