It's clear that science fiction often encourages scientists and tech developers in particular (flip-phone, anyone?). But does it ever hinder? I truly wish Capricorn One had never been made. An discussion on this question by Annalee Newitz
Most space travel science fiction is set far in the future and actually deals with the subject at a fantasy level. I wonder if we had more stories about the hard aspects of developing interplanetary space travel if it would inspire us to actual do something. Humans haven't left low Earth orbit in 38 years. We need more science fiction to inspire real space travel. I worry that science fiction has become comfortable escapism and might be hindering real efforts.