Content Analysis in the Research Field of Technology Coverage

Abstract

Many technologies are fast-growing drivers of innovation and as such have the potential for major transformations of people’s lives. Related to that, technologies and particularly the development of new technologies (also called emerging technologies) call for a variety of actors who try to make themselves heard in the public sphere. Scientists, economic actors, politicians, regulators, and ordinary citizens try to have a voice in the public discussion about the development, implementation, and specific applications of technologies—thus, they strive to reach the audience through media coverage.

Is everything quantum ‘spooky and weird’? An exploration of popular communication about quantum science and technology in TEDx talks

“…The predominant evaluation of quantum technology in TEDx talks is thus a positive one. This is similar to nanotechnology (a field closely related to quantum technology) as news media coverage mainly framed nanotechnology in terms of benefits (Gurr and Metag 2023). Due to the fact that risks are hardly mentioned in TEDx talks, we conclude that a narrow public good frame is present in that sense.…”

“…Cobb 2005, Druckman and Bolsen 2011, Achterberg 2014. Gurr and Metag (2023) found that the use of the benefit and risk frame vary depending on the technology, time period and media being analysed. For example, the frames most prominent in news media about nanotechnology are medical, scientific and economic benefits; carbon capture and storage is frequently framed in terms of political/legal and economic risks and benefits; and for synthetic biology, energy benefits are often mentioned (Gurr and Metag 2023).…”