The impact of Science deniers on public health
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Health experts have an essential role to play at the public level in combatting misinformation and protecting the population from the influence of science deniers.
As professionals whose very existence is based on proven and repeatable evidence, it isn’t easy to comprehend that people choose to deny the basis of everything that drives our modern lives: Science.
Muddy waters
It is widely believed that Mark Twain once said, “It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled”. This has become an accepted fact. While the wisdom of this statement is undeniable, the reality is, there is no evidence that he did say this. This is an example of something being said often enough that it becomes the accepted truth. It’s an example of the problem we face when confronting science deniers.
The science denier’s playbook
Social scientists have identified 5 strategies that all science deniers have in common:
- They cherry-pick facts to reinforce their beliefs
- They believe in conspiracy theories
- They rely on fake experts while denigrating real experts
- They engage in illogical reasoning
- They expect science to be perfect
The mistake many people make when engaging with science deniers is that they misunderstand their commitment. To them, these beliefs are not about science; they’re about identity. It’s also why a single conversation will not shake entrenched beliefs.
Calling health thought leaders
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The media are constantly searching for health thought leaders to fill the gaps in their understanding of health-related stories. Your Lookatmedia™ centre is where you demonstrate your thought leaders’ credentials.
Calling health thought leaders
Getty Images/iStockphoto
The media are constantly searching for health thought leaders to fill the gaps in their understanding of health-related stories. Your Lookatmedia™ centre is where you demonstrate your thought leaders’ credentials.
Facing outward
From vaccines to viruses and so many other things in between, science has provided us with awareness of the problems and the solutions. However, if the past few years have taught us anything, the truth alone will not free us. As health experts and those who trust in the role of science, it is our responsibility to look outward and play a role in shifting conversations and opinions in the right direction.
Going deep
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Changing the mind of those infected by science deniers involves a long-term commitment to compassionate conversations in the media. Health care professionals are ideally suited to this role.
Going deep
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Changing the mind of those infected by science deniers involves a long-term commitment to compassionate conversations in the media. Health care professionals are ideally suited to this role.
The role of thought leadership
COVID has taught us all the importance of the role that health thought leaders play in society. Without them, we never would have had the vaccine uptake we have had. With the power of social media and algorithms reinforcing popular but false beliefs, health thought leaders will need to continue to play an essential role in conversations with the public through the media.
Lookatmedia™ provides a forum where your thought leaders can build their profiles and your organisation's reputation, ensuring that you remain on the right side of the conversation and history.
Local impacts
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A conversation heard in the media can influence decision making at the individual level, changing the way that individuals respond to health messaging.
Local impacts
Getty Images/iStockphoto
A conversation heard in the media can influence decision making at the individual level, changing the way that individuals respond to health messaging.
