The challenge of science in the face of polarization around recreational hunting and wildlife management

Abstract

Science is currently confronting a loss of prestige in the face of the proliferation of subjective “truths”. In a world saturated with information, verifiable facts are giving way to personal and collective beliefs that are amplified by biases in the media and on social networks. This undermines confidence in the scientific method and encourages disinformation and social polarization, all of which weaken constructive dialogue among sectors on many key issues. One emblematic case of this disconnection between science and social perception is recreational hunting. This activity is seen by some as essential for conservation, while others view it as harmful and obsolete. Wildlife science is often instrumentalized or delegitimized by both extremes, thus perpetuating a harmful cycle of mistrust and confrontation. In this perspective paper we highlight how this phenomenon reflects a greater problem: the challenge of reconciling science with an increasingly fragmented society that is polarized by post-truth.