Acceptance of gene editing grows among the public, study finds

Public opinion about gene editing is changing. According to a recent study by the Alliance for Science, an initiative of the Boyce Thompson Institute, the perception of this technology has become increasingly positive.

The research, which analyzed five years of data from January 2018 to December 2022, showed that gene editing has received higher favorable reviews than GMOs, both on social media and traditional media.

Mark Lynas, lead author of the study, expressed optimism about the results. "We believe the scientific community can be cautiously optimistic based on current trends. Gene editing has the potential to make a substantial contribution to future food security and environmental sustainability around the world," he said.

The study, published in the journal GM Crops & Food, also highlighted that gene editing has been viewed more favorably than GMOs. Lynas believes this may be due to the newness of gene editing, which has not yet been the target of negative publicity campaigns, unlike GMOs.

The research also found that social media coverage of gene editing has been surprisingly positive in recent years, even as it reaches larger audiences. "This contradicts frequently heard claims that social media tends to be negative and polarizing," Lynas said.

Despite the positive trend, the study authors warn of the need to monitor possible negative changes in public perception. They highlight the importance of ongoing communication and engagement with the public to ensure a better understanding of these technologies.

Sheila Ochugboju, Executive Director of the Alliance for Science, sees the results as an encouraging sign. "These findings suggest that the battle for public opinion is not lost. The scientific community can find hope in the potential acceptance of gene editing technologies," she concluded.

The study can be read here.