World-renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is using his expertise to shed light on the importance of scientific literacy in relation to public health during the global pandemic. As the executive producer of the new documentary “Shot in the Arm,” Tyson, alongside Oscar-winning director Scott Hamilton Kennedy, explores how the spread of COVID misinformation through social media and non-scientific organizations can contribute to vaccine hesitancy among skeptics. The aim of the film is to urge people not to politicize science, but rather to utilize it for the betterment of society and the environment.
Tyson emphasizes the timeless relevance of doing what is right, stating that his goal as an educator is to educate voters rather than remove elected politicians from power. By educating the electorate, the hope is that political debate will focus on finding solutions to problems rather than disputing the validity of scientific evidence.
Kennedy initially began filming the documentary in the spring of 2019, with the intention of highlighting the measles outbreak and the potential for a global pandemic. However, as the COVID-19 cases increased dramatically in the United States in early 2020, the direction of the film shifted unexpectedly. It became a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of science and verifiable truth in maintaining a functioning global society.
Kennedy acknowledges the challenges of creating a film that reflects the current zeitgeist, especially during a time of polarization and lack of trust in sources outside of one’s social circles. Nevertheless, he believes that the film has a crucial lesson to impart: that unity and collaboration are essential for overcoming crises such as COVID-19. He describes “Shot in the Arm” as a healing film, recognizing the efforts and sacrifices of healthcare workers as well as the general public who adhered to safety measures to protect others. The film celebrates the value of science, decency, and the pursuit of verifiable truth.
The film also delves into the concept of confirmation bias and the trust placed in scientific evidence. Kennedy points out that over 1.3 million Americans have died from COVID-related illnesses, and despite measures such as mask mandates and vaccine rollouts, new variants continue to emerge. He suggests that social isolation during the pandemic may have contributed to COVID misinformation, as individuals struggled to distinguish reliable scientific information from falsehoods.
Kennedy observes that confirmation bias, which occurs when individuals favor and remember information that aligns with their preexisting beliefs, played a significant role during the pandemic. He notes that while everyone is susceptible to this bias, the difference lies in the willingness to use the scientific process to challenge biases in the face of evidence. Unfortunately, many on the anti-vaccine side choose to deny or selectively interpret evidence, leading to potentially dangerous outcomes.
Tyson adds that the prevalence of misinformation on social media makes it more difficult for people to trust scientific evidence. Overcoming these ingrained habits and biases is no easy task. He suggests that if science were taught not as a mere collection of facts, but as a means of questioning and understanding the natural world, people would be less likely to base their beliefs on personal biases driven by cultural, religious, or political influences.
Tyson also warns that as technology advances, deciphering misinformation will become increasingly challenging. The rise of artificial intelligence could lead to the creation of highly convincing fake images, videos, and websites, further blurring the lines between truth and fiction. Ultimately, Tyson humorously suggests that if misinformation becomes too pervasive, society may have to return to more traditional forms of communication, such as reading books and engaging in face-to-face conversations.
“Shot in the Arm” is not just about vaccines; it serves as a reminder of the responsibility each individual has as a member of society. Tyson emphasizes the importance of looking out for one another and prioritizing the health, wealth, and security of society as a whole. Those who put society at risk should reconsider their actions and the impact they have on others. The documentary premieres on November 3 in New York and on November 17 in Los Angeles.
