Tim Caulfield: Battling the Bunk Machines: Health in the Era of Celebrity, Social Media & Twisted Facts

There is a ridiculous amount of science-free health advice floating around in popular culture.  And much of this information is conflicting, misleading or just plain wrong. Indeed, these are strange times. There is a growing amount of good science that can inform health and lifestyle decisions. But despite this reality, popular culture pushes inaccurate views about how and why we should get fit, what we should eat, and how we should address diseases.  Many of these narratives (“alternative facts”) dominate the popular press and, as a result, have a significant impact on the general public. In this provocative presentation, Professor Caulfield will explore the social forces that are contributing to this confused state, including the role of public trust in science, social media, celebrities, cognitive biases and the circulation of conflicting “expert” advice. He will conclude with recommendations about how we can address this health communication challenge.

 

Following the talk (at 8 pm) there will be refreshments and books available for sale/signing.

 

Dr. Timothy Caulfield, Canada Research Chair in Health Law and author of the bestselling books Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything?: When Celebrity Culture and Science Clash, and The Cure for Everything: Untangling Twisted Messages about Health Fitness and Happiness, and star of the Netflix show A User's Guide to Cheating Death.

Registration information: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tim-caulfield-battling-the-bunk-machines-2020-tickets-7347257143

Parking fees have been waived for the evening for the talk.

 

The keynote is sponsored by Lakehead Office of Research Services, Senate Research Committee, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, and Bora Laskin Faculty of Law.