Characterize the Relationship Between Hype and Alarmism

Characterize how hype and alarmism are expressed and linked in communication about quantum science and technology, including the contexts in which the two forms of exaggerated future-oriented discourse occur.

Background

The study found that hype and alarmism occurred less frequently than expected and did not appear to coincide in the interview data. Because the qualitative sample was limited and existing research on alarmism is sparse, the authors identify the relationship between these forms of discourse as unresolved.

Further investigation could establish whether hype and alarmism are oppositional, complementary, context-dependent, or differently distributed across quantum-technology stakeholder groups.

References

As current research into the prevalence and context of alarmism is limited, future research might investigate how hype and alarmism are expressed and linked.

— Making Sense of Quantum Technology: Nuance and Comparison in Non-Expert Stakeholder Communication  (2608.20808 - Löffler et al., 21 Aug 2026) in Section 5.2, Hype, alarmism and future visions

Future research might investigate how hype occurs even when the non-expert audience exhibits nuance and caution in evaluating exaggerated claims.

— Making Sense of Quantum Technology: Nuance and Comparison in Non-Expert Stakeholder Communication  (2608.20808 - Löffler et al., 21 Aug 2026) in Section 5.3, Unexpected future visions: Socio-economic nuance and scepticism

Another noteworthy finding is that members of certain groups, such as scientists and policymakers, are less likely to use hype within their group, while they do recognise the function of hype when communicating to the other group. Future research could investigate how stakeholders use hype differently between in-groups and out-groups.

— Making Sense of Quantum Technology: Nuance and Comparison in Non-Expert Stakeholder Communication  (2608.20808 - Löffler et al., 21 Aug 2026) in Section 6, Limitations and future research