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Health journalism

As a scientist I am horrified by the way health matters are reported in the press and other media. Most journalists are ignorant of science. Many media, especially social media, do not even have well-disciplined journalists writing the copy. Journalists don't seem to understand that a single study is not enough to negate a result that was shown by many others. Nor that some studies are valueless because they use poor methods or mangle statistics. Rarely do we see them question who paid for the research to be done. In short I never take any notice of health information and advice in newspapers, magazines and on the general internet.

And that is for material produced by journalists who make a genuine attempt honestly to describe the facts. Over the last few years we have seen a much more dangerous trend, that of the 'Influencer'. Some of these appear to be people with no knowledge whatsoever who are paid to promote products. Other genuinely believe the nonsense they broadcast but what they say is untrue. An example to be avoided like the plague are articles that contain the word 'detox'. How do we survive with these poisons (toxins) inside us? The only toxic things are the ideas in the article. Another recent nonsense is the idea of 'clean eating'. If something seems interesting I will form a judgement only when I have read about it in a truly scientific or professional medical medium.

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(C) Peter Scott 2021

Last edit 26 August 2021