Spot Medical misinformation with these experts tips

If you consume any media that are traditional or social, at some point you have met a health claim that spends a hint of something that is “from”. Perhaps it is the unfounded reasons for a growing measles outbreak, the supposed lack of effectiveness and security of certain vaccines, although studies demonstrate something else, or the urgent need to consume a certain addition to difficult health benefits.

Such claims are nothing new: Self -proclaimed health prophets and jars have been around for a long time, promises to heal serious illnesses, to work for medical conspiracies or try to attract attention by spreading doubts and panic.

Laurel Bristow, a researcher of infectious diseases at Emory University in Atlanta, started against misinformation and disinformation during pandemic. Your Instagram account – formerly Kinggutterbaby – concentrated on combating faultless myths and conspiracy theories, which at that time circulated online.

“I would be in the hospital all day, and then I came home and sat down in my kitchen and set up my little tripod and recording videos,” Bristow recently told the CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta in his podcast, life chased.

“It felt very important at the time because I was such a close understanding – or as much understanding as possible – about the virus and what happened, and infectious diseases in general, which gave me a lot of comfort,” she said. “And I wanted other people to understand it so that they can make decisions and enable themselves in the decisions that they make instead of fear of events.”

Bristow named information empowering. “(The situation is) not necessarily less frightening, but it is less anxious, and you can feel a little more control over what happens,” she said. “And I think that's really helpful so that people stay ground.”

Today Bristow continues her work on infectious diseases as Associate Program Director of the Emory/Georgia Tuberculosis Research Advancement Center. And she is also the moderator of “Health Wanted”, a health podcast in Atlantas NPR partner Wabe.

And it still provides precise information and exposes false claims on social media. (Your new Instagram account has a less colorful name.)

“There is a part of me who is: 'Man, after five years I thought I would be out of hook,” said Bristow. “But I feel very passionate.

How can you find out whether there is any misinformation or disinformation? Bristow has these five tips that help you evaluate claims.

Don't believe everything you read, hear or see

“If something seems too good or too bad to be true, it is likely,” said Bristow in an e -mail and noticed that legitimate knowledge gaps are increasingly feeling “being filled with speculation”.

And even established facts “are overridden with more hysterical claims and conspiracies,” she said.

“People should be encouraged to think more critically and to evaluate their sources of information,” she said.

Do not fall into black and white thinking

“Science rarely speaks absolutely,” said Bristow.

“If someone as a remedy or as a 'kills', it is rarely so easy.”

It is advisable to ask: Are the limits of what is clearly known about a situation? Is the risk level stuck in the correct context? And is the person who is transparent behind the information about their qualifications?

“Someone who presents himself as an expert without providing his login information, relevant research or experience should give you a break,” she said.

Do not let your buttons be pressed

“Emotional reactions are a good way to get involved,” said Bristow.

“Untramored medical claims often underline the risk of something and the risk that it represents you and your family,” she said. “These claims often speak in absolute or unambiguous terms, but science continues to develop, and the risk changes due to differentiated circumstances.”

Instead, she said, dug up more into information that you panic. “Try to find out whether the things you talk about are based on a large, well -designed study or whether it is based on anecdotal experiences,” she said.

Do not fall in love with sales talks

“If someone tells you about a problem that you did not know about you may have and offer you to sell you the solution, it is a red flag,” said Bristow via e -mail.

“You should investigate Where the information comes from, “she said.” Does the person or organization present this information have a conflict of interest when it comes to your financing or partner? “

In this case, the yardstick for purchase should be increased in a cure for a new state.

Look for real experts

“Take the time to find science communicators that you trust and see what you say about breaking topics,” said Bristow.

“If there is a lively heading or messages, you will probably talk about it,” she said. “A large part of science competence helps people to understand the limits of knowledge, which can help them recognize bad science.”

Recognizing the bad science and dealing with it before spreading, she said, can have a major influence.