Book Report Post: Viral BS by Dr. Seema Yasmin

 General Overview: Viral BS is a well written book by Dr. Seema Yasmin in which she picks over 40 different medical myths and sorts through the truths from all the lies and misconceptions surrounding these topics. She goes through by debunking fact from fiction in medical experiments some by which are over 50 years old. Specifically using scientific logic by breaking down opposing sides to the myths by using the cold hard facts to separate whats true from not only lies but peoples beliefs that don't add up to the professional results from studies done from across various experiments. She shows how just because you read something on social media or in a paper there is much more that goes into distinguishing whats proven and what is false. Furthermore, the book goes into detail on how to break down what is a misconception and what is not. Through various real stories in every myth that is presented from what she has seen or heard from around the world. To add, she talks about the use of celebrities and powerful figures that company's use to promote a brand for sales, even with the knowledge that these people don't use or take the product that their trying to sell themselves. As well as that misconception and false truths unfortunately spread faster than the truth which should be out for patients and customers who need to be hearing it. Further discussing why false stories spread so quick and why being open minded but skeptical about the things you hear and read isn't all that bad. People will make a story but at what cost. Someones personal belief isn't as important as someones life depending on the situation, for fear and misinformation spreads fast which fuel panic and poor decisions. Conspiracy theories continue to spread and create deeper distrust in doctors and science. 

Favorite Part: My favorite part of the book was a chapter called "Do vaccines cause autism". I chose this chapter specifically because I myself heard this numerous times when people talk about the vaccine, to add when Covid came around I was able to see and hear it for myself. I feel as if when people talk about covid, I would hear some people saying how you have to get the vaccines to be safe and others on the complete opposite side. Specifically saying how getting the vaccine would be either deadly or can cause serious health issues and in this case autism. The reason this relates to what we have covered in class is it ties into pseudoscience and mass delusion, which is shown throughout the chapter by opposing views being based off personal beliefs. Also, alot of people who are opposing the vaccine have a false belief caused by fear and misinformation. As well as mass hysteria by a bunch of people posting videos or showing similar symptoms of fainting or bad reactions and claiming it was definitely the vaccine without scientific evidence or critical thinking to prove what they were saying was accurate. 

Related to class: This book ties into and relates to what we have discussed in class because just like one of my blogs posted on "The Jersey Devil" its all about hearsay and not one piece of evidence. Every myth that is talked about includes misinformation which keeps spreading but no actually proof is used in reasoning. The common theme between this book and the class is examples of pseudoscience. Its all about a collection of beliefs mistakenly being based off of truth and some type of scientific reasoning although people reasoning is personal beliefs. The theories that are trying to be proven in any case in the book or in lectures such as "The Jersey Devil" or "Salem Witch Trials" aren't through any critical thinking and spreads through people with the same view which is false truth. Furthermore, showing why using credible scientific evidence is important when seeking or looking at information. To add, the class and book both give insight on how to debunk information. 

Personal Extension: Yes, while discussing this book it can absolutely help solve real world problems as well as address current issues at this time. By debunking medical myths, it can address issues of people and patients who don't trust doctors who in reality are experienced and licensed professionals in the healthcare industry. By addressing the issue of people not trusting doctors, people are making poor health decisions, avoiding beneficial treatments and engaging in risky behavior which could end in serious illness or possibly death. In essence by rebuilding a healthier society by trying to eliminate misinformation it can also help evidence-based decisions and restore the truth in healthcare. Furthermore, this can help eliminate ineffective treatments or ways that don't show evidence based decisions which benefit both patients and communities. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSKGa_7XJkg