If you have been long enough around the internets you would notice debates about common subjects. Organic vs GMO, Climate Realism vs Climate Denialism, Atheism vs Religion, Science vs Religion, Flat Earth vs Round Earth are just some of the popular subjects.
In almost all of the debates one side accuses the other for luck of scientific understanding. The tragic part is that rarely we an analysis that follows proper scientific enquiry. As a result, we get skin-deep analysis that resembles dialogues from popular tv shows like "The Big bang Theory" or "Through the Wormhole". In other words "science, fuck yeah" arguments with zero substance.
We can conclude that over the last few years "science" (word and concept) has effectively become a meme. There is nothing wrong with this other than the fact that those who come to defend a view do not know enough about the subject matter. They rather parrot arguments that they have borrowed from popular youtube channels, tv-shows or articles around the web. This is why most of the times we see false dichotomies such as "science=progress" and "anything else=dark ages".
The universe is amazing, stars are dazzling, space exploration is cool, trees are awesome, evolution is spectacular but emotions have nothing to do with science. When we see people debate flat earthers for example we rather see mockery rather than proper argumentation. In most case that I have witnessed, flat earthers have by far superior arguments (even if they are wrong) and the opposing side chooses to mock them rather than answer their inquiries with simple high-school physics.
In other words we have effectively gone full retard. We have the subject of "shape of earth" and both sides argue with each other without anyone knowing how to properly argue the questions by using scientific findings and critical thinking.
Unfortunately this is the state of things when it comes to pop-culture. The amount of information around us is immense and people try to win impressions rather than properly understand things. This is also the reason why catchy pictures and memes get more likes and shares than long-ass posts and explanations.
Many people become reactionaries and follow conspiracy theories because they don't trust certain authorities. Many people became atheists and pro-science because this is what seems to be the fashion/hipster thing to do. Much the same, many people are religious or follow a cult because they chose to follow the crowd and believe a priest rather than investigate themselves. Herd mentality at its finest.