Elizabeth Barrette (ysabetwordsmith) wrote,
Elizabeth Barrette
ysabetwordsmith

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How Misinformation Kills

Here's an example of how misinformation kills: a woman who believed the Fox News description of health care refused to see a doctor, and subsequently died.  Now, I support people's right to decide whether or not they want to seek health care.  Sometimes the system really can be hazardous.  But not the way Fox News has described it as being hazardous.  Now that misinformation has proven fatal to at least one person.

Remember, it is difficult or impossible to make good decisions with bad information.  And if you create a system that treats people badly, or is believed to treat people badly, they are likely to avoid it even if they need it.  You need not only positive, functional social structures but clear and careful communication so that people understand them well enough to make personally appropriate decisions.
Tags: news, politics, safety
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