The Digital Human

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Aleks Krotoski explores the digital world

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The Digital Human: Series 16: Snake Oil

Snake Oil

Series 16

BBC Radio 4 - The Digital Human, Series 16, Snake Oil

Aleks Krotoski explores why science is being drowned out by Snake Oil online.

Aleks Krotoski explores why science is being drowned out by Snake Oil online, and how the balance can be shifted to keep desperate people from being exploited.

The internet began as a way for academics and researchers to share information and collaborate on projects - it was a boon for scientific discovery. 

But despite there being more scientific information online than ever,  in the modern day the power of the internet has completely flipped. Verified science and medicine are crowded out by a plethora of misinformation and snake oil salesmen. From the relatively harmless quackery such as infrared light treatments or ‘wellness’ focused diets, to conspiracy theories around vaccinations that are influencing political policy, and have resulted in outbreaks of dangerous, preventable diseases across the world - what is happening online is having a tangible impact across the globe.

Aleks Krotoski explores how the infrastructure of the internet allows medical misinformation to thrive, finds out how people can be drawn into communities centred around medical misinformation and conspiracy theory, and how both scientists and every day internet users can redress the balance online.

The Digital Human: Series 16

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Aleks Krotoski explores life in the digital age.

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The Digital Human

Series 16

Snake Oil

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