r/badscience
A forum for the discussion of poorly presented science.
How to think about r/badscience
This community focuses on critiquing and discussing poorly presented or misrepresented scientific claims and studies. Members often highlight instances of bad science in media, academia, and public discourse, promoting critical thinking and skepticism. The distinctiveness of the community lies in its commitment to dissecting scientific inaccuracies while fostering an environment for educational discussions about the scientific method and the importance of rigorous research.
Confidence 4/5
Audience
Members typically include science enthusiasts, students, and professionals who value critical analysis and scientific literacy. The audience skews towards individuals who are skeptical of pseudoscience and misinformation, often engaging in discussions that blend humor with serious critique. They care about the integrity of scientific communication and are motivated to improve public understanding of science.
Posting culture
Content that thrives includes well-researched critiques, humorous takes on bad science, and discussions that encourage critical thinking. Posts that lack evidence or are overly sensationalized tend to receive downvotes. The community appreciates thoughtful analysis and often engages in debates, so a respectful tone is essential. Posting frequency can vary, but members are generally active, contributing regularly to maintain a lively discourse.
Brand engagement notes
Brands should approach this community with caution, as members are often hostile to overt promotion and marketing tactics. Authentic engagement is key; brands can participate by sharing educational content that aligns with the community's focus on scientific integrity. Collaborating with credible scientists or providing resources that debunk bad science can resonate well. However, any attempt to promote products or services directly is likely to be met with skepticism and backlash.
Similar communities
Where this audience also spends time
Topic-adjacent communities surfaced from Reddit's own related subreddit signal.
FAQ
r/badscience — frequently asked questions
Quick facts about this subreddit's size, history, focus, and related communities.
How many subscribers does r/badscience have?
r/badscience has approximately 34,498 subscribers as of May 27, 2026.
When was r/badscience created?
r/badscience was created on December 5, 2008 (17 years ago).
What is r/badscience about?
This community focuses on critiquing and discussing poorly presented or misrepresented scientific claims and studies. Members often highlight instances of bad science in media, academia, and public discourse, promoting critical thinking and skepticism. The distinctiveness of the community lies in its commitment to dissecting scientific inaccuracies while fostering an environ…
What subreddits are similar to r/badscience?
Communities similar to r/badscience include r/badmathematics, r/badhistory, r/philosophyofscience, r/numbertheory, r/badphilosophy.
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