> The results are presented to the media. [The media misrepresents the results to the public, intentionally or unintentionally]. The public debates it on social media.
I filled in the critical missing step. Science journalism is mostly trash.
Not sure I entirely agree with that either. Scientific debate is evolving with the times. Online isn't a traditional formal venue where these debates happen, but they do happen here too. Scientists discussing actual scientific facts, or disputing each other's claims get silenced too. Seems like a reasonable interpretation of "scientific debate".
And I suspect the OP meant "scientific debate" as the public's discussion of science and the policies that should be formed around the facts as they see them.
If you've ever found yourself typing "Should X give Y a platform?" you are part of the problem.
Be better, be a part of the solution.