Staying healthy in an era of health fallacies and fake news

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr claimed that fluoridation in water causes numerous health problems, from lowering IQ to increasing the risk of cancer.

the World Health Organisation (WHO) has also come forward to declare there is no evidence to support the narrative that e-cigarettes are any less harmful than tobacco. Despite growing evidence of the harm they cause, such myths persist and continue to mislead many into believing e-cigarettes are a safe option.

Celebrity endorsements and social media influencers further fuel these trends

social media has democratised the spread of misinformation, exposing the general population to a constant stream of dubious health claims, which can gain a veneer of credibility through sheer repetition.

Even well-educated individuals can struggle to discern credible information from pseudo-science, particularly when it is presented in a persuasive and authoritative manner.

Misleading statements from leaders and political figures contribute to rising distrust. Remember how, during the Covid-19 pandemic, President Trump suggested injecting disinfectants as a cure?

Academics and clinical experts can also contribute to the torrent of misinformation. The infamous case of Andrew Wakefield, whose fraudulent study linked the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism, sparked a global anti-vaccine movement that persists despite being thoroughly discredited.

Qn: Education, not censorship, is the solution to misinformation. To what extent do you agree? (ASRJC Prelim 2024)