PRO-SCIENCE
These sources consist of legitimate science or are evidence-based through the use of credible scientific sourcing. Legitimate science follows the scientific method, is unbiased, and does not use emotional words. These sources also respect the consensus of experts in the given scientific field and strive to publish peer-reviewed science. Some sources in this category may have a slight political bias but adhere to scientific principles. See all Pro-Science sources.
- Overall, we rate Futurity as a Pro-Science source based on properly sourcing most information to credible science journals and universities. However, we rate them as Mostly Factual in reporting rather than High due to a failed fact check and a lack of transparency with ownership and funding.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: PRO-SCIENCE
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL
Country: USA
Press Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Established in 2009, Futurity is a website that publishes news and research articles from various universities and research institutions worldwide, covering topics from science and technology to health and social sciences. Futurity is based in Rochester, New York. According to its about page, Futurity is a non-profit site that aims to “share research news directly with the public” and is “supported solely by its university partners,” which it lists on its about page.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
Futurity’s ownership information is not disclosed on the site, and it is unclear which university hosts the Futurity website. The website about page lists over 50 universities and research institutions worldwide as partners. They also list names of the Governing Board; however, if you click the names, it opens the person’s email address. Who funds the website is not disclosed.
Analysis / Bias
Futurity is a science and technology news website that publishes articles on research from universities worldwide. When the site launched in 2009, Scientific American published an article titled “Futurity” service launches to promote university research as traditional science journalism declines.” The article mentions criticisms from journalists and media critics about the lack of transparency surrounding Futurity’s funding and ownership. A quote from the article reads,” Futurity and its consumers would benefit from complete transparency on its site as to who is managing and editing the site and how it is funded.” This information is still not available as of 2023.
The articles are well-written, concise, and usually based on reputable universities’ published studies. An example is “Target Could Lead to More Effective Glaucoma Treatment” and “There’s More to Honesty than not Lying.” The articles are well-sourced using credible sources such as Indiana University, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, Wake Forest University, Carnegie Mellon, and journals.aom.org. At the bottom of the page, it also mentions who funded the study, such as “The John Templeton Foundation funded the work.” Generally, articles do not contain any overt political bias.
Futurity generally publishes factual articles that present research clearly and objectively and are well-sourced, but they lack transparency and have failed a fact check.
Failed Fact Checks
- Elon Musk bought General Motors. – False
Overall, we rate Futurity as a Pro-Science source based on properly sourcing most information to credible science journals and universities. However, we rate them as Mostly Factual in reporting rather than High due to a failed fact check and a lack of transparency with ownership and funding. (M. Huitsing 03/16/2023)
Source: https://www.futurity.org/
Last Updated on May 24, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check
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