This paper discusses the factors that led to the transformation of thematic areas of popular science discourse. The article identifies problematic aspects of popular science discourse. The authors conclude that the evolution of popular science discourse is characterized by regression. The decline in circulation of popular science magazines against the background of the flourishing magazine industry is the consequence of declining public interest in science and its decreased prestige. Consumer demands affecting the editorial policy of the popular science magazine are focused on false, pseudo and parascientific knowledge, which is currently a worldwide problem. At present, Russian society needs a nationwide ideology more than ever - a healthy sense of the Motherland, respect for its land. A popular science magazine can revive these values if it chooses to make an educational mission its priority.