What do people know and think about 5G? Creating mental models for #ProjectGOLIAT

Why do some people readily accept 5G and use it without a second thought, while others worry about the potential effects that 5G may have on their physical and psychological health? How do these groups differ from each other, and how can we better respond to their concerns, particularly with tailored risk communication?

Task 6.2 of Project GOLIAT focuses on constructing the mental models of EMF experts and EMF non-experts regarding 5G technology and its effects on health. Our core team consists of Matt White and Nina Vaupotic at the University of Vienna and James Grellier and Leanne Martin at the University of Exeter, with many collaborators around the globe actively contributing to our mental models study.

The core team during our in-person team meeting in Perranporth, UK in May 2023.

Our main objective is to create mental models, or representations, of people’s knowledge, beliefs, and opinions about 5G technology and its effects on health among different groups of people: EMF experts, EMF non-experts, and EMF non-experts who self-identify as electrosensitive. We aim to identify (1) the misconceptions of EMF non-experts and (2) aspects of EMF non-experts’ beliefs and concerns that EMF experts may not be aware of.

How do we elicit mental models?

We carried out semi-structured interviews where we encouraged interviewees (EMF experts and EMF non-experts) to share their knowledge, opinions, and thoughts. We first asked the interviewees to do a ranking task on the topic of electromagnetic frequencies, which prepared them for the topic of the interview. We then asked them about different potential benefits and drawbacks of 5G, as well as about their own behaviour in relation to 5G.

Interviewees ranked different objects according to how much EMF they thought they were emitting. The photo above was taken during a mock interview between Nina (the interviewer) and Oscar (the interviewee).

In total, we conducted 10 interviews with EMF experts, 23 interviews with EMF non-experts and 3 interviews with EHS individuals. We are grateful to our partners in Spain, Japan and Poland who helped us with conducting interviews in their countries.

Noriko Kojimahara visited Matt and Nina in Vienna, Austria, in March 2024.

How did we analyse the qualitative data?

The interviews were audio-recorded (with the approval of the interviewees) and later transcribed into text. We used MAXQDA 2024 (VERBI Software, 2021) to analyse the transcriptions. In the first step, we familiarized ourselves with the interview data and began to recognize recurring themes such as health effects, economic benefits, and general worries. We investigated whether these themes repeatedly appeared in the interviews. This process led to the development of a coding scheme, which we continuously adapted and tested with new data to ensure its accuracy and relevance. For instance, we had to make sure that the topics one coder recognizes in the interview texts would also be recognized by other independent coders.

Each face-to-face team meeting was used for fruitful discussions that moved the project forward.

How do we construct mental models?

With the assistance of the MAXQDA software, we analysed which topics were frequently mentioned together and by which groups of interviewees. Drawing on connections between topics and literature reviews, we crafted a mental model representing the knowledge, beliefs, and opinions of both EMF experts and non-experts.

Qualitative data analyses were conducted to support the development of mental models.

Why is it this important?

Comparing the mental models of EMF experts and EMF non-experts enabled us to identify misconceptions regarding 5G and health, which were then integrated into a public survey to estimate their prevalence. Additionally, identifying the factors contributing to public acceptance of 5G can provide valuable insights into understanding why some of EMF non-experts are concerned. Ultimately, we hope to contribute to targeted risk communication, better tailored to respond to EMF non-experts’ beliefs and concerns about 5G.

We are working on our manuscript and look forward to sharing the results with you soon!

Learn about #ProjectGOLIAT’s work!

BioEM’s Call for Short Term Mission of Students and Early Stage Researchers (STM)

BioEM Society recently published a call to support Short Term Mission of Students or Early Stage Researchers (STM) coming from Low-Middle income countries. STM intends to support individual mobility of students or early stage researchers (ESR) among the different research groups worldwide in the low-middle income countries. ESRs should have completed their PhD no more than five years ago.

The recipients of the grant will learn new techniques and specific procedures, gain access to specific data, instruments and/or methodologies not available in their own laboratories. The duration of the STM should be at least 14 days, preferable 1 month. Longer periods are also allowed if the STM grant will be combined with other funding sources. The recipients of the grant will receive € 3.500

Applications are welcomed from 10 September 2024 to 01 November 2024. Results will be notified on 16 December 2024.

Check BioEM’s website to find more information about the application and the selection procedures.

Go to BioEM’s website!

BioEM 2024 in Chania, Greece 16-21 June 2024

BioEM 2024 in Chania, Greece 16-21 June 2024

We are delighted to announce BioEM 2024, the premier international conference in the field of bioelectromagnetics, taking place from June 16th to 21st, 2024, in the picturesque city of Chania, on the beautiful island of Crete, Greece.

BioEM is renowned as the largest and most significant global conference in bioelectromagnetics, drawing participants from academia and industry worldwide. BioEM 2024 marks the third annual meeting of the new BIOEM Society, a merger between the Bioelectromagnetics Society (BEMS) and the European BioElectromagnetics Association (EBEA).

The conference will be hosted at the luxurious Minoa Palace Resort Hotel, a 5-star beachfront property in Platanias, just 12km west of Chania and a 30-minute drive from Chania International Airport. The Minoa Palace Conference Center offers state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge design, and a stunning view of the Aegean Sea, making it an ideal venue for conferences, workshops, and exhibitions.

BioEM 2024 promises an enriching experience, facilitating the exchange of scientific knowledge, highlighting the latest research, and fostering professional relationships. The five-day program will feature invited talks by renowned scientists, special sessions, workshops, tutorials, technical and poster sessions, and social events.

A special focus will be on student contributions, nurturing the next generation of researchers. Students will have opportunities to present their work, enhance presentation skills, engage in competitions, and network with peers from around the world.

Beyond the conference, BioEM 2024 invites you to explore the historical city of Chania, the second largest in Crete and a popular tourist destination. Crete, the birthplace of the ancient Minoan civilization, offers a unique blend of history, culture, mountains, and sea. Its strategic location has made it a cultural crossroads where myths and history intertwine, making every corner of the island a story waiting to be discovered.

We look forward to welcoming you to BioEM 2024 in Chania, Crete, for an unforgettable scientific and cultural experience.

For more information please visit the BioEM 2024 official site!

SEAWave Webinar on 15 January 2024

SEAWave Webinar on 15 January 2024

SEAWave Webinar

This webinar will be an opportunity to learn about the recent results of the SEAWAVE project on exposure assessments and their analysis. The seminar will focus first on exposures induced by base station antennas. Various presentations will discuss and analyze frequency-selective measurements carried out in Europe, not only via spot measurement outside or inside buildings, but also while walking in commercial areas and in public places, during car journeys or on public transportation. Participation in this webinar is free but requires prior registration.
More information about the webinar and the way to participate, you can find here!