In short

• Nearly half of South Africans actively seek S&T information online.
• Participation in online S&T events is low, mainly due to limited awareness, digital access barriers and high data costs.
• Widespread smartphone use offers significant potential to expand inclusive, accessible S&T engagement.
• Tailored communication and improved digital infrastructure are essential to bridge gaps and broaden participation.

Promoting engagement withscience and technology (S&T) information through both traditional and digital media is essential for building a scientifically literate and engaged society. Drawing on findings from the 2022 South African Public Relationship with Science (SAPRS) Survey, this article examines public interest in S&T, access to and consumption of related information, and patterns of internet use that reveal opportunities for online engagement. The analysis highlights the importance of tailored communication strategies and inclusive digital infrastructure to foster broad participation in science and technology discourse and to support an informed, innovation-oriented society.

Photo: Chris F, Pexels

A strong relationship between science and society depends on the effective dissemination and public consumption of science and technology (S&T) information. To understand how South Africans access and engage with such information, the 2022 South African Public Relationship with Science (SAPRS) Survey—funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation—explored public interest in and consumption (actively accessing) of S&T content, as well as patterns of internet access and use.

The findings show that South Africans engage with S&T information to varying degrees and that digital platforms offer significant opportunities for sharing scientific knowledge. Nearly half of respondents reported actively seeking S&T information online, primarily via digital and media platforms. However, participation in online S&T events remained low, pointing to barriers such as limited awareness, inadequate digital access and high connectivity costs. Addressing these obstacles is critical to harnessing the untapped potential of South Africans eager to engage with S&T—thereby promoting scientific literacy and engagement, socio-economic development and innovation.

South Africans’ consumption of S&T information

As shown in Figure 1, nearly half (49%) of South Africans actively searched for S&T information online. This confirms the internet’s importance as an accessible and dynamic source of information  for those interested in S&T.

Figure 1. Actively accessing S&T information (often or sometimes)

Source: HSRC SAPRS Survey 2022

A total of 43% engaged with science fiction, through reading or viewing, suggesting that the genre may serve as a gateway for public interest in S&T by blending entertainment with exposure to scientific concepts. Meanwhile, 41% reported watching or listening to S&T programmes, underlining the continued relevance of both traditional (TV, radio) and digital (podcasts, streaming) media, as tools for science communication. Only 24% of respondents had bought S&T books or magazines, which may reflect changing media consumption patterns, with digital formats overtaking traditional print media, or possibly the higher cost and lower accessibility of printed publications.

Low participation, but high interest in online S&T engagement 

Respondents were asked whether they had participated in any online S&T events or activities in the year before the survey (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Participation in online S&T events or activities

Source: HSRC SAPRS Survey 2022

Participation was lowest for online seminars (9%) and higher for visiting S&T websites (20%) and watching online videos (23%). However, between 42% and 52% of the respondents expressed interest in accessing these resources, suggesting certain barriers may constrain participation. About a third of South Africans reported no interest in any form of online engagement, suggesting a need for targeted strategies to stimulate interest among disengaged groups.

Digital access presents an opportunity for S&T communication and engagement

Digital access remains a key determinant of public engagement with S&T information. In 2022, while only around a quarter of South Africans had a personal computer or tablet or home internet connection, three-quarters reported having some form of internet access, and 61% owned a smartphone (Figure 3). This points to significant potential for increasing curiosity and engagement with S&T information via digital platforms.

Figure 3. Availability of digital devices and internet access

Source: HSRC SAPRS Survey 2022

To calculate the amount of time the public spent online, an Index of frequency of internet usage was developed based on three variables: (i) internet access, (ii) frequency of internet use; and (iii) time spent online per day. The index was then grouped into six categories describing the distribution of internet usage by the public (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Frequency of internet usage

Source: HSRC SAPRS Survey 2022

Twenty four percent of the public reported no internet access; 31% used the internet for at least four hours most days, while 15% spent over eight hours online, most days. Internet access and daily usage were highest among younger people (16–24 years), those with higher education and income, and residents of urban areas. Conversely, the lowest access levels were found among people with little or no formal education, the poorest socioeconomic groups, older adults and rural residents.

Promoting active engagement with S&T information

The findings reveal significant untapped potential for promoting S&T engagement, especially online. Nearly half of South Africans actively searched for S&T information online—often through popular formats like science fiction, podcasts and online videos. However, direct participation in online S&T events was low due to barriers such as a lack of awareness, limited access and cost factors. However, there was a relatively high level of interest expressed in engaging with online S&T content.

Despite persistent digital divides by socio-demographic factors such as age, education, socioeconomic status and location, widespread smartphone ownership and internet penetration create a strong foundation for enhancing online S&T engagement.

The goal is to promote further interest in S&T information among the public and to effectively enable greater online engagement. To bridge the gap between interest and participation, it is essential to address infrastructural, socio-economic and informational barriers while developing inclusive, culturally relevant communication and engagement strategies.

Recommendations

Target S&T awareness and outreach: Conduct targeted campaigns to raise awareness of S&T resources and events, highlighting their relevance and opportunities for participation.

Leverage popular media formats: Use science fiction, podcasts, videos and streaming platforms to present S&T content in engaging, accessible ways that resonate with diverse audiences.

Expand digital access: Improve affordable and reliable internet connectivity and smartphone access, particularly in underserved and rural areas, to enhance the public’s ability to access S&T online resources.

Develop inclusive content: Co-create S&T communication materials with input from communities to ensure cultural relevance and inclusivity, thereby encouraging broader participation.

Facilitate online participation: Lower barriers to online S&T events, such as seminars and workshops, through free or subsidised access and user-friendly digital platforms.

Monitor engagement trends: Implement continuous monitoring and evaluation to track public engagement, identify barriers, and adapt communication strategies for greater impact.

By improving awareness, access and inclusivity, South Africa can strengthen public engagement with S&T, fostering a more scientifically literate society that actively participates in and benefits from scientific and technological advancements.

Research contacts and acknowledgements

This article was written by Dr Thando Tenza (ttenza@hsrc.ac.za) and Sylvia Hannan (shannan@hsrc.ac.za), chief researchers in the HSRC’s Equitable Education and Economies (EEE) division. It draws on findings from the 2022 SAPRS Survey, funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Over four years, the SAPRS core research team comprised Dr Vijay Reddy, Dr Benjamin Roberts, Sylvia Hannan and Dr Steven Gordon. Contributing researchers included Dr Thando Tenza, Dr Shanaaz Dunn, Dr Saahier Parker, Dr Ngqapheli Mchunu, Dr Thobeka Zondi and Fabian Arends.

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