ABSTRACT
Scientists and science communicators often wish to communicate science with the public because they believe that science is exciting, important, and useful. Not everyone, however, feels wholly positive about science. Some members of the public may be offended by certain scientific theories, or feel that particular technologies are frightening and dangerous. It has become commonplace for people from all walks of life to protest against scientific pursuits and technological developments, in the deeply held conviction that there is something wrong with the way that science is done or the way it is used. Meanwhile, other people ignore both those protesting and those defending science, bored and unable to engage with scientific ideas and issues.
