Navigating online misinformation and improving science communication, with David R. Grimes
The Brain Health Revolution Podcast
Dean and Ayesha Sherzai
4.8 • 604 Ratings
🗓️ 10 November 2023
⏱️ 49 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
In this episode, we’re joined by science writer and author of ‘The Irrational Ape — Why We Fall for Disinformation, Conspiracy Theories, and Propaganda’, David Robert Grimes, for a discussion about science communication and the unrelenting rise of misinformation on social media.
We talk about:
• The dangers and mechanics of online disinformation
• Why, in spite of rampant mistruths, social media remains one of the most powerful tools in history for science communication
• How to navigate online information by better understanding and trusting scientific method
• The tactics of bad-faith influencers and conspiracy theorists
• How online debates and discussions can become more productive
• The beauty and importance of being wrong
Visit David’s website: https://www.davidrobertgrimes.com/
David’s books: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Thinking-Flawed-Logic-Critical/dp/1615197931/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=good+thinking+grimes
Support for the Brain Health Revolution Podcast comes from NEURO Academy, an online community of individuals working together towards optimum long-term brain health, through science-backed on-demand courses, live coaching, nutrition guidance, and more.
Find out more at: thebraindocs.com/neuro-academy
Follow doctors Ayesha and Dean on:
• Instagram: @TheBrainDocs
• TikTok: @TheBrainDocs
More information on neuroscience:
• Our blog: thebraindocs.com/blog/
• Our brain-healthy recipes: thebraindocs.com/recipes/
The Brain Health Revolution Podcast is hosted by Doctors Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | In the health space online, which you occupy so well, you'll notice a lot of absolute grifters who will try to reduce every health problem, |
| 0:07.0 | no matter how complicated down to if you do this, you won't get cancer, heart disease, brain tumors, and the thing is you will because we're human. |
| 0:16.0 | I feel it's getting more and more difficult for, you know, the general person who doesn't have |
| 0:21.8 | scientific education or the tools to be able to sift through all of this information. |
| 0:27.8 | If I make a TikTok video or an Instagram reel where I absolutely lie about something, |
| 0:31.3 | there's no penalty for me. I will get all the clicks and all the views. And I notice as a |
| 0:35.3 | conspiracy theorist, particularly during COVID, but I was writing about them a long time before then, that there's no consequence for |
| 0:41.2 | them being wrong. They grow their audience every time. Welcome to the Brain Health Revolution |
| 0:45.7 | podcast with your hosts, Aisha and Dean Cherzai. We are neurologists, scientists, and authors of two |
| 0:52.7 | best-selling books and parents to two amazing humans. |
| 0:56.1 | In a world where our understanding of brain health is constantly evolving, join us as we unravel |
| 1:01.8 | the mysteries of the human brain. Through captivating conversations, insightful interviews, |
| 1:08.1 | and thought-provoking discussions, we empower you with the knowledge and tools to optimize brain function and prevent cognitive decline. |
| 1:16.1 | From nutrition, exercise, restorative sleep to building cognitive resilience and the impact of technology, |
| 1:22.9 | we explore the fascinating connections between brain health and other facets of our lives. |
| 1:29.0 | Get ready to unlock the potential of your brain and embrace a life of vitality. |
| 1:39.3 | Hello, friends. Thank you so much for joining us for an incredible episode. |
| 1:43.9 | Today, our guest is David |
| 1:45.7 | Robert Grimes, a scientist and author with a keen interest in the public understanding of science. |
| 1:52.0 | He's the author of the critically acclaimed book, The Irrational Ape, Why We Fall for Disinformation, |
| 1:58.3 | Conspiracy Theories, and Propag propaganda. He writes on science and society for |
| 2:02.6 | outlets including The Guardian, the Irish Times, Scientific American, the Atlantic, the BBC, |
... |
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