Mediating Uncertainty: Communicating the Financial Risks of Nanotechnologies

Ebeling, Mary F. E.

doi:10.1177/1075547007312068

Cited by 49Nanotechnology research and applicationsRisk Perception and ManagementMedia Studies and Communication

Mediating Uncertainty: Communicating the Financial Risks of Nanotechnologies

Ebeling, Mary F. E.·2008·Science Communication

DOI 10.1177/1075547007312068

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Abstract

The commercialization of nanotechnologies and the rapid development of hyperbole around their commercialization can provide a fertile field for research into how the potentials and expectations of an emerging technology are communicated to investors. As the commercialization of nanotechnologies intensifies, this area will grow in significance. This article explores how the financial potentials of nanotechnologies and the promise of high returns for investors are constructed by marketing professionals and mediated through financial media. Attention is focused on how the immense uncertainties that surround nanotech as a commercialized field are managed by scientists, marketers, public relations professionals, and journalists and on the communication strategies used to take advantage of the ambiguities of nanotech in order to translate the technologies into a profitable industry.

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Misrepresenting uncertainty is sometimes done to increase clarity and simplicity for uninitiated lay audiences.
“This is sometimes done to increase clarity and simplicity for uninitiated lay audiences (Ebeling, 2008)”
From A review of the effects of uncertainty in public science communication (2020) · cites this paper as Ebeling, 2008

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Authors: Ebeling, M. F. E.
Affiliations: Drexel University (US)
Corresponding author: Ebeling, Mary F. E.
ORCID: Ebeling, Mary F. E.
Venue: Science Communication
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Published: 2008-03
Volume: 29
Issue: 3
Pages: 335-361
ISSN: 0164-0259 (ISSN-L)
1075-5470
1552-8545
DOI: 10.1177/1075547007312068
OpenAlex: W2160799914
Cited by: 49
References: 31
Citations by year: 2026: 4 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 2 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 1 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 1
FWCI: 3.76
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations: Science Communication (publishedVersion)
Topics: Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Nanotechnology research and applications
Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Risk Perception and Management
Social Sciences › Communication › Media Studies and Communication
Keywords: nanotechnology commercialization, uncertainty management, investor communication, financial media, science marketing, public relations, science journalism, hype, emerging technologies, communication strategies

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Mediating Uncertainty: Communicating the Financial Risks of Nanotechnologies

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