The Debunk Files

The Debunk Files

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How can I spot and deal with health and science misinformation? | The Dose | CBC Podcasts | CBC Listen
How can I spot and deal with health and science misinformation? | The Dose | CBC Podcasts | CBC Listen
A new Canadian Medical Association survey suggests that health misinformation is on the rise. Law professor and research director of the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta Tim Caulfield gives examples of health and science misinformation, breaks down how to spot it, and offers tips on how we can talk to friends and family about misinformation they might believe is true. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts [https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281]. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link. [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dose/id1498259551]
·cbc.ca·
How can I spot and deal with health and science misinformation? | The Dose | CBC Podcasts | CBC Listen
[PDF] The role of conspiracy mentality in denial of science and susceptibility to viral deception about science | Semantic Scholar
[PDF] The role of conspiracy mentality in denial of science and susceptibility to viral deception about science | Semantic Scholar
It is found that conspiracy mentality and science literacy both play important roles in believing viral and deceptive claims about science, but evidence for the importance of conspiracy mentality in the rejection of science is much more mixed. Abstract. Members of the public can disagree with scientists in at least two ways: people can reject well-established scientific theories and they can believe fabricated, deceptive claims about science to be true. Scholars examining the reasons for these disagreements find that some individuals are more likely than others to diverge from scientists because of individual factors such as their science literacy, political ideology, and religiosity. This study builds on this literature by examining the role of conspiracy mentality in these two phenomena. Participants were recruited from a national online panel (N = 513) and in person from the first annual Flat Earth International Conference (N = 21). We found that conspiracy mentality and science literacy both play important roles in believing viral and deceptive claims about science, but evidence for the importance of conspiracy mentality in the rejection of science is much more mixed.
·semanticscholar.org·
[PDF] The role of conspiracy mentality in denial of science and susceptibility to viral deception about science | Semantic Scholar
John Campbell released an incredible video on how there are nanobots in Covid vaccines. He then deleted the video on realising how stupid it made him look : r/skeptic
John Campbell released an incredible video on how there are nanobots in Covid vaccines. He then deleted the video on realising how stupid it made him look : r/skeptic
968 votes, 101 comments. 203K subscribers in the skeptic community. A sub for "scientific skepticism." Scientific Skepticism is about combining…
·reddit.com·
John Campbell released an incredible video on how there are nanobots in Covid vaccines. He then deleted the video on realising how stupid it made him look : r/skeptic
Tomorrow I'll be having dinner with a relative who is prone to loudly voicing anti-vaxxer and pro-Freedom Trucker beliefs. I'm looking for some cutting ammunition that can shut the entire conversation down.
Tomorrow I'll be having dinner with a relative who is prone to loudly voicing anti-vaxxer and pro-Freedom Trucker beliefs. I'm looking for some cutting ammunition that can shut the entire conversation down.
294 votes, 337 comments. 202K subscribers in the skeptic community. A sub for "scientific skepticism." Scientific Skepticism is about combining…
·reddit.com·
Tomorrow I'll be having dinner with a relative who is prone to loudly voicing anti-vaxxer and pro-Freedom Trucker beliefs. I'm looking for some cutting ammunition that can shut the entire conversation down.
In Doppelganger, Naomi Klein scapegoats Naomi Wolf for the sins of Klein's father
In Doppelganger, Naomi Klein scapegoats Naomi Wolf for the sins of Klein's father

I'm placing this here because of how riddled with lies and shifting *this article is, in an attempt to debunk Klein's book - I will be doing a deep dive on this one, in the meantime here's Copilot:

Certainly! I've reviewed the article titled "In Doppelganger, Naomi Klein Scapegoats the 'Wellness Industry' for Legitimate Critiques of Big Pharma" by Toby Rogers. Below, I've identified key claims made in the article, provided the original quoted lines, and offered fact-checked information along with reputable sources that address and debunk these claims.


Claim 1: Naomi Klein blames the wellness industry for raising legitimate concerns about Big Pharma

Quoted Line:

"Naomi Klein scapegoats the 'wellness industry' for voicing legitimate critiques of Big Pharma's malpractices and influence over healthcare."

Fact-Check:

Naomi Klein's book "Doppelganger" examines the complexities of identity and misinformation in the digital age. She critiques how certain segments of the wellness industry have propagated conspiracy theories and misinformation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the wellness industry does raise some valid concerns about pharmaceutical practices, Klein highlights the danger of conflating legitimate critique with the spread of unfounded theories that can harm public health.

References:


Claim 2: COVID-19 vaccines are unsafe and were hastily approved without proper testing

Quoted Line:

"The vaccines were rushed to market without adequate safety trials, and the wellness community was right to question their safety."

Fact-Check:

COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use have undergone rigorous testing in clinical trials involving tens of thousands of participants. Regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) evaluated the vaccines' safety and efficacy data before granting approval. The rapid development was possible due to global collaboration, significant funding, and prior research on related viruses, not because of skipped safety steps.

References:


Claim 3: Big Pharma suppresses natural remedies and alternative treatments to maintain profit

Quoted Line:

"Pharmaceutical companies actively suppress natural remedies and holistic treatments that could compete with their profit margins."

Fact-Check:

There is no credible evidence to suggest that pharmaceutical companies systematically suppress effective natural remedies. While the pharmaceutical industry does prioritize profit, natural and alternative treatments are regulated to ensure safety and efficacy. If a natural remedy is proven effective through scientific research, it can be adopted into mainstream medicine. Challenges arise when alternative treatments lack sufficient evidence from rigorous clinical trials.

References:


Claim 4: The wellness industry provides treatments as effective as conventional medicine without side effects

Quoted Line:

"Wellness practices offer cures that are just as effective as conventional medicine but without the harmful side effects."

Fact-Check:

While some wellness practices can complement conventional treatments (e.g., yoga for stress reduction), most alternative therapies lack the extensive testing required to prove they can cure diseases. Conventional medicines undergo rigorous clinical trials to evaluate their efficacy and safety profiles. All treatments, conventional or alternative, can have side effects. It's essential for any therapy to be evidence-based and for patients to consult healthcare professionals before starting new treatments.

References:


Claim 5: Vaccine mandates infringe on personal freedoms and are not justified

Quoted Line:

"Mandating vaccines is a violation of personal freedoms and cannot be justified given the questionable effectiveness of the vaccines."

Fact-Check:

Vaccine mandates have been implemented historically to protect public health by achieving herd immunity and preventing disease outbreaks. COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Mandates are policy decisions aimed at maximizing public health benefits, especially during a pandemic. Legal systems generally support vaccine mandates when they serve the greater good, though they often include exemptions.

References:


Additional Insights

  • Misrepresentation of Scientific Consensus: The article suggests that legitimate critiques are being dismissed, but critiques based on misinformation or lack of evidence can be harmful. The scientific consensus supports the safety and efficacy of vaccines after thorough evaluation.

  • The Role of Misinformation: The spread of unverified claims can lead to vaccine hesitancy, undermining efforts to control the pandemic and protect vulnerable populations.

Further References on Misinformation:


Conclusion

While critical evaluation of pharmaceutical companies and healthcare practices is important, it must be grounded in accurate information and credible evidence. Misinformation can have serious consequences for public health. It's essential to consult reputable sources and scientific literature when assessing such claims.


Recommendations for Reliable Information


If there are specific claims or sections you'd like to explore further, or if you need assistance accessing any of the references, please let me know. I'm here to support you in navigating this information.

·open.substack.com·
In Doppelganger, Naomi Klein scapegoats Naomi Wolf for the sins of Klein's father
Study Largely Confirms Known, Rare COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects - FactCheck.org
Study Largely Confirms Known, Rare COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects - FactCheck.org
An international study of around 99 million people confirmed known serious side effects of COVID-19 vaccination. It also identified a possible relationship between the first dose of the Moderna vaccine and a small risk of a neurological condition. Social media posts about the study left out information on the vaccines' benefits and the rarity of the side effects.
·factcheck.org·
Study Largely Confirms Known, Rare COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects - FactCheck.org
Spirituality, naturalism, and alternative health practices serve as gateways to anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, study suggests
Spirituality, naturalism, and alternative health practices serve as gateways to anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, study suggests
A recent study led by researchers from the University of Tokyo has shed light on the intricate web of factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy and resistance. The study identifies online political engagement, conspiracy theories, and spirituality as significant influences shaping anti-vaccine beliefs.
·psypost.org·
Spirituality, naturalism, and alternative health practices serve as gateways to anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, study suggests
Correction as a Solution for Health Misinformation on Social Media
Correction as a Solution for Health Misinformation on Social Media

Because I value the pursuit truth I am always quick to admit my misunderstandings or when I am wrong.

And further, I admire this quality from the countless professionals I follow. In fact, when they do not admit mistakes (such as numerous medical "professional", a few specific ones come to mind) - I immediately unfollow and stop supporting.

These people do not have your best interest in heart - only their own.

"Expert sources themselves are more effective in correcting misinformation than users are, and engaging in such corrections on social media does not appear to negatively affect their credibility.5 Sharing corrections that counter personal or political interest can enhance trust and thus effectiveness, so considering trusted sources among a target audience is essential."

·ncbi.nlm.nih.gov·
Correction as a Solution for Health Misinformation on Social Media
Why Smart People Become Conspiracy Theorists with Naomi Klein - Factually! - 237
Why Smart People Become Conspiracy Theorists with Naomi Klein - Factually! - 237
What is the appeal of conspiracy theories, and how is it that they entrap our friends, coworkers, or family members? Political polarization and the rise of social media have generated an unprecedented amount of seemingly absurd misinformation, yet many real people fall for it, and a seemingly endless supply of grifters are ready to exploit them. In this episode, Adam speaks with award-winning author Naomi Klein about what led us to this moment and what hope we have of extricating loved ones who've fallen prey to conspiracy. Find Naomi's book at factuallypod.com/books SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconover SEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/ SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Factually! on: » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/factually-with-adam-conover/id1463460577 » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fK8WJw4ffMc2NWydBlDyJ About Headgum: Headgum is an LA & NY-based podcast network creating premium podcasts with the funniest, most engaging voices in comedy to achieve one goal: Making our audience and ourselves laugh. Listen to our shows at https://www.headgum.com. » SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1 » FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum » FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/headgum/ » FOLLOW us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headgum
·youtube.com·
Why Smart People Become Conspiracy Theorists with Naomi Klein - Factually! - 237