Attitudes Towards Genetically Modified Organisms in Slovenia: Between Knowledge and Myths / Stališča Do Genetsko Modificiranih Organizmov V Sloveniji: Poznavanje In Miti

What is it about?

This study explores the knowledge of and attitudes towards genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and biotechnology among population of Slovenia. ATTITUDES: Results revealed a predominantly negative attitude towards GMOs and biotechnology, regardless of their type (animals, plants, microorganisms), application (for food, for feeding animals, in medicine, …) and geographical distance (in Slovenia or elsewhere in the world). Perceptions of the negative impact of GMOs on an individual’s health were particularly strong. KNOWLEDE: The majority of respondents (59.5%) had moderate knowledge about GMOs and biotechnology, while a largeshare (30.4%) had poor knowledge of the topic. Only 10 % of respondent had good knowledge about GMOs. However, they had better objective (real) knowledge about topics linked to formal education or legislation and a weaker understanding of misinterpreted myths, often used as an argument against GMO’s in mass media. CORRELATION analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between knowledge and attitudes towards GMOs. The respondents with better objective knowledge (who gave the correct answers to test questions) had a less firm and a more positive attitude towards GMOs and vice versa. The respondents who lacked objective knowledge but expressed subjective knowledge (they were convinced that their answers were correct) on average had a more negative attitude towards GMOs compared to those who lacked subjective knowledge.

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Why is it important?

CONCLUSION: This finding leads to the conclusion that knowledge about GMOs (received in the process of education and myths from mass media) has an important role in forming attitudes towards the impact of GMOs. Those with better knowledge about GMOs have less firm and more positive attitude towards GMOs.