Health Misinformation and the Power of Narrative Messaging in the Public Sphere

Timothy Caulfield,Christen Rachul,Amy Zarzeczny,Zubin Master,Stephanie Brooks,Blake Murdoch,Samantha J Anthony,Joshua Greenberg,Alessandro R Marcon,Jasmine M Brown,Robyn Hyde-Lay,Sarah Tinker Perrault,Jeremy Snyder,Jonathan Jarry,Ubaka Ogbogu

doi:10.7202/1060911ar

Abstract

Numerous social, economic and academic pressures can have a negative impact on representations of biomedical research. We review several of the forces playing an increasingly pernicious role in how health and science information is interpreted, shared and used, drawing discussions towards the role of narrative. In turn, we explore how aspects of narrative are used in different social contexts and communication environments, and present creative responses that may help counter the negative trends. As traditional methods of communication have in many ways failed the public, changes in approach are required, including the creative use of narratives.

Highlights

There is growing recognition that numerous social, economic, and academic pressures can have a negative impact on representations of biomedical research
Much has been written about the growing influence of social media on public discourse, including in the context of health [12]
Influential and reputable voices from various communities need to persistently encourage responses from powerful social media platforms regarding their influential role in information dissemination [121]

Summary

Introduction

There is growing recognition that numerous social, economic, and academic pressures can have a negative impact on representations of biomedical research. The popular press, marketing forces, and online media play significant roles in misrepresenting biomedical research [2,4,5,6]. Much has been written about the growing influence of social media on public discourse, including in the context of health [12].

Results

Conclusion