Laypeople's and Experts' Perception of Nanotechnology Hazards

TLDR

Public perception of nanotechnology can influence the development of new technologies. Laypeople (N = 375) and experts (N = 46) evaluated 20 nanotechnology and 3 non‑nanotechnology applications using the psychometric paradigm with brief scenario descriptions. The study found that both groups rated asbestos risk higher than nanotechnology, that perceived dreadfulness and trust in government agencies strongly shaped risk judgments, that laypeople perceived greater risks than experts, and that boosting public trust in government could lessen concerns about nanotechnology.

Abstract

Public perception of nanotechnology may influence the realization of technological advances. Laypeople's ( N = 375) and experts' ( N = 46) perception of 20 different nanotechnology applications and three nonnanotechnology applications were examined. The psychometric paradigm was utilized and applications were described in short scenarios. Results showed that laypeople and experts assessed asbestos as much more risky than nanotechnology applications. Analyses of aggregated data suggested that perceived dreadfulness of applications and trust in governmental agencies are important factors in determining perceived risks. Similar results were observed for experts and laypeople, but the latter perceived greater risks than the former. Analyses of individual data showed that trust, perceived benefits, and general attitudes toward technology influenced the perceived risk of laypeople. In the expert sample, confidence in governmental agencies was an important predictor of risks associated with nanotechnology applications. Results suggest that public concerns about nanotechnology would diminish if measures were taken to enhance laypeople's trust in governmental agencies.