Can You Trust Your Health to the Internet?

How the Internet is being used to Hijack Medical Science for
Fear and Profit.

Nearly 8 million Americans search the Internet daily for medical advice on everything from bumps and bruises to cancer. But consumers should beware: this growing phenomenon of instantaneous medical advice, offered by “Google PhDs,” has a dark and dangerous side. Buy the Book

The Book

In this provocative and eye-opening book, prominent health policy expert and journalist Dr. Robert Goldberg reveals how the media, trial attorneys, anti-industry activists, and politicians work together to create a shadow campaign of doubt and fear about the safety of medical treatments.
Dr. Goldberg reveals how the internet is used to scare the public and hide a political agenda, while preying on people’s insecurities to the ultimate detriment of both the individual and public health. Dr. Goldberg investigates the rise of the “instant expert,” and shows how this new style of medical debate allows sensationalism and celebrity status to outweigh science and knowledge.

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Reviews

If it bleeds it leads,’ may sell newspapers and satisfy headline-hungry politicians, but it makes a shameful shambles of public health policy. Goldberg calls it like he sees it—clearly and bluntly. ...
- Peter J. Pitts, President, Center for Medicine in the Public Interest

Tabloid Medicine explains how we have come to rely on Jenny McCarthy for advice about vaccines and Suzanne Somers for cancer therapies. Goldberg courageously pulls back the curtain to show where the real conflicts of interest lie when it comes to getting medical and scientific information
- Paul Offit, Chief of Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital, Philadelphia

...Goldberg shows convincingly how the Internet, combined with sloppy journalism driven by the 24-hour news cycle, irresponsible politicians looking for headlines, unscrupulous trial lawyers trolling for clients, and some opportunistic publicity seeking academics, are discrediting the pharmaceutical industry and the academics who collaborate with companies..
- Frederick K. Goodwin, MD

Robert Goldberg is amongst the most passionate and energetic health care advocates I know. He is committed to fostering rational health care for all and his drive is enhanced by deep personal experiences...
- Ralph Snyderman, MD

[Goldberg] offers Internet users in search of information about health matters some sound advice about becoming more skeptical: Investigate who created the content and who funds the website.
- Kirkus Reviews