Quantum in the media: A content analysis of frames in Dutch newspapers

Abstract

Quantum technology is expected to have an impact on society. Scientists warn against the use of certain frames because they may create barriers to effective science communication. We studied 385 Dutch newspaper articles for the use of these frames. Newspapers commonly explained quantum concepts when mentioning quantum technology. They also regularly framed quantum technology as beneficial and enigmatic, often in prominent positions of the articles. The economic development/competitiveness frame, the social progress frame and the risk frame were less common. Although these frames are only potential barriers, we encourage journalists to weigh them when communicating about quantum technology.

33 pages, 6 figures

References in corpus (5)

• Supplementary information for "Quantum supremacy using a programmable superconducting processor"
• The prospects of quantum computing in computational molecular biology
• Democratization of Quantum Technologies
• Is everything quantum spooky and weird? An exploration of popular communication about quantum science and technology in TEDx talks
• Mitigating the quantum hype