How does the public discuss gene-editing in agriculture? An analysis of Twitter content

Abstract

As people form their opinion about gene editing applications in agriculture, they are utilizing social media to seek and share information and opinions on the topic. Understanding how the public discusses this technology will influence the development of effective messaging and practitioner engagement in the conversation. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of Twitter content related to applications of gene editing in agriculture. Social media monitoring facilitated a quantitative, descriptive analysis of public Twitter content related to the topic. A Meltwater social media monitor collected N = 13,189 relevant tweets for analysis, revealing the amount of conversation regarding gene editing in agriculture, the number of contributing Twitter users, and the reach of the conversation which was relatively stable over the life of the study. In contrast, engagement with the topic rose with the sentiment of tweets becoming increasingly positive. News organization accounts had the most reach while a mix of news accounts and personal accounts garnered the greatest engagement. These results demonstrate an opportunity for agricultural and science communicators to create affirmative messaging about gene editing in agriculture delivered through news media Twitter accounts potentially increasing the reach and engagement in the social system and with science communication.

Social acceptance of genetic engineering technology

“… 70 , 71 ] and social media [e.g. 72 , 73 ], but never directly assessed what sources participants refer to when provided the opportunity.…”

Exploring the landscape of public attitudes towards gene-edited foods in Japan

“…Social media also plays a significant role in shaping public opinion of gene-edited foods. Analyzing discussions surrounding gene editing technologies in agricultural contexts on both social media as well as news media in the United States, Hill et al (2022) observed that tweets considerably influence public sentiment. Similarly, Tabei et al (2020) examined Twitter conversations in Japan concerning genome-edited foods and highlighted the use of social media as a tool for monitoring public interests and opinions in real-time.…”

U.S. adult viewers of information treatments express overall positive views but some concerns about gene editing technology

“…Consumer acceptance is necessary for the technology to maximize impact on both production and human health [MacFie, 2007]. American adults have reported GET has initial support in the context of research into direct human genetic modification in a therapeutic or preventative context [Weisberg, Badgio & Chatterjee, 2017], and a Twitter analysis from 2018-19 indicated high engagement and general positivity toward gene editing in agriculture, suggesting positive attitudes among those users [Hill, Meyers, Li, Doerfert & Mendu, 2022]. We can learn from U.S. public opposition to current genetic engineering technology, a broader category that includes GET, to improve communication and education that will positively influence consumer perception.…”