December Quarterly Meeting

Meeting will be held in-person and virtually.

Registration is required to attend virtually. 

Trends in Health Misinformation, Conspiracism, and Extremism: Insights from Social Media

Dr. Richard Rogers & Dr. Nicolette Powe, Youngstown State University

This presentation explores the evolving landscape of health misinformation and related extremism, drawing insights from a comprehensive analysis of approximately 300 social media channels, discussion boards, and websites known for hosting misinformation and conspiratorial content. Key highlights include a notable peak in health misinformation during Dr. Fauci's testimony in June/July 2023, followed by a decline, and the division within the antivaccine movement, where some individuals reject the "antivaxxer" label while others intensify their opposition to vaccines. The presentation will also examine the emergence of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, characterized by anti-FDA and anti-big pharma rhetoric,

and its appeal among demographics such as young males. Additionally, it will address the growing popularity of alternative health solutions, including

supplements, as part of a broader wellness trend.