How Public Health Officials Can Make The Truth Heard In A 'Post-Fact' World

As reports of fake news ― real or perceived ― and “alternative facts” become more common, so does Americans’ distrust in public officials and institutions. Respondents to an Edelman survey conducted last year, for example, said they would consider the view of a “person like me” twice as credible as that of a government leader. The public’s trust in businesses, the government, nongovernmental organizations and the media have all declined, the survey found.  Public health officials appear to be feeling the effects of this, with many saying it has become more difficult to get Americans to believe crucial data and research.  “Good policies are no longer enough because people no longer trust experts, or scientists, or government regulatory processes, let alone politicians or businesses,” Dr. Claire Hooker, a University of Sydney bioethicist who co-authored a new paper on the subject for the Sax Institute, told The Huffington Post.  Public health officials might be able to fight against this climate by also fighting against their instincts, suggests the report ― rather than focusing on shutting down false claims, experts should try to meet people where they are by demonstrating care and sensitivity to their concerns.   Good policies are no longer enough because people no longer trust experts, or scientists, or government regulatory processes, let alone politi...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news