How does scientific misinformation spread and who is responsible when it leads to irreversible damage? In the modern age of data-driven technology, it is easier than ever to access information yet increasingly difficult to discern where the truth falls. In this course, we will examine the ways in which scientific misinformation disseminates by identifying internal and external factors that make it difficult to consume media objectively through the evaluation of well-known case studies. Then we will challenge how our morals can be called into question depending on how we choose to respond to this issue. Finally, we will attempt to identify our obligations as individuals and a society when confronted with harmful scientific misinformation. By the end of the course, you will have confidence in your ability to assess the rise and cultural impact of scientific misinformation, evaluate the way we consume media, and seek thoughtful resolutions to living in this complex world.
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