The Dual Impact of Fragmented Dissemination on Science Popularization Animations

Abstract

With the rise of short video platforms, fragmented information dissemination has become the dominant mode of communication in contemporary society. As a core form of content visualization, popular science animation is increasingly shifting from long-form videos to fragmented formats. Systematically analyzing the effects of this transformation is of practical significance for guiding the sustainable development of science animation.Based on a “content–technology–cognition” analytical framework, this study adopts a mixed-methods approach combining literature review, case analysis, and in-depth interviews to examine the characteristics and dual effects of fragmented dissemination of popular science animation in the context of media convergence. The results indicate that fragmented dissemination significantly expands audience reach; however, it also leads to problems such as reduced scientific rigor and superficial public understanding.Accordingly, this paper proposes optimization pathways from the perspectives of content, technology, and audience, emphasizing intelligent content serialization, algorithmic recommendation optimization, and the enhancement of public media literacy. These findings provide both theoretical reference and practical guidance for the sustainable development of science communication in the new media ecosystem.