false balance

False balance occurs when media or sources give equal weight to viewpoints that are not scientifically or factually equivalent, making it seem like there is a genuine debate when there isn't. For example, giving equal coverage to climate change experts and skeptics, despite overwhelming consensus among scientists, can suggest there’s substantial disagreement when, in reality, one side's position is well-supported and the other's is not. This can mislead the public, spreading misinformation and undermining understanding of important issues.