Is personification helpful or harmful in science?

Chemistry For Your Life · Oct 15, 2026 · 1h 5m

Do atoms “want” full electron shells, do molecules “prefer” stability, and are electrons really “attacking” each other? Or could it be that while personifying molecules might be quietly teaching us the wrong ideas? Chemistry education researcher Jessie Stenlund joins Melissa and Jam to investigate anthropomorphism, analogies, scientific language, and why a satisfying explanation isn’t necessarily an accurate one. Along the way, Melissa reckons with learning that one of her strongest teaching opinions might need revisiting.

Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel

Check…