Bad Influence: How The Internet Hijacked Our Health By Deborah Cohen - Non Fiction - Hardback

Title:
Bad Influence: How the Internet Hijacked Our Health

Format: Hardcover

Overview:
Bad Influence is a timely, rigorously reported examination of how digital spaces have transformed the way we think about health. The hardcover edition—published by Oneworld Publications and distributed by Simon & Schuster—offers 384 pages of tightly reasoned analysis that pull back the curtain on online health claims, wellness hype, and the algorithms that drive them. Deborah Cohen, an award-winning broadcaster and journalist, draws on decades of frontline reporting to trace how influencers, apps, and commercial interests shape medical beliefs and patient decisions. The book explains why so many people turn to the internet for medical guidance—often in the face of daunting NHS wait times or rising costs—and what that means for the quality of care. It provides a practical framework for distinguishing medical facts from online fiction, including questions to ask, sources to verify, and a checklist readers can use in real time. This is accessible, evidence-based reading designed for anyone who has ever consulted a search result before deciding how to care for their body.

What Makes This Book Stand Out:
What sets Bad Influence apart is the author’s blend of investigative journalism with a clear-eyed view of medical science. Cohen goes beyond warnings to unpack the mechanics of online health culture: how platform algorithms prioritize sensational stories, how sponsored content can masquerade as impartial guidance, and how patient experiences can both illuminate and distort scientific evidence. The narrative is anchored by real-world case studies that illuminate the consequences of misinformed choices, from misinterpreted data to ill-advised treatments. The writing remains calm yet persuasive, translating complex topics—epidemiology, medical history, digital advertising—into practical insights readers can apply in their own lives. For anyone navigating the noisy, fast-moving world of online health information, this book doubles as a trustworthy guide and a compelling read.

Who It’s For:
This book speaks to adults who routinely turn to the internet for medical information, patients managing chronic conditions, caregivers, students of health communication, and clinicians seeking a framework to discuss online health claims with patients. It’s equally useful for parents trying to sift through wellness trends for their families and for BookTok readers craving a grounded counterpoint to sensational online health stories. If you’re seeking clarity in a crowded digital health landscape, Bad Influence provides a credible lens—without dismissing the value of innovation—so you can make better-informed decisions about your health.

Key Highlights:

• Clear framework for evaluating online health claims and sources
• Insight into how influencers, apps, and algorithms shape health beliefs
• Real-world case studies that illuminate the consequences of misinformation
• Practical strategies to verify medical information before acting
• A balanced, journalistic approach that respects medical evidence
• Accessible, rigorous writing from a trusted health reporter

About the Author:
Deborah Cohen is an award-winning broadcaster, journalist, and editor whose investigations have influenced health policy and clinical practice worldwide. She has served as Science Editor for ITV News and Health Correspondent for BBC Newsnight, guiding major health coverage during critical times, including the pandemic era. Cohen also founded the investigations unit at The BMJ, one of the world’s leading medical journals, and has produced high-profile reports for BBC Panorama and Channel 4 Dispatches. Her career blends meticulous evidence with accessible storytelling, making complex medical topics understandable to a broad audience while maintaining rigorous standards of accuracy. Bad Influence reflects decades of frontline reporting and a steadfast commitment to the integrity of medical information in the digital age.

Why You’ll Love This Book:
Bad Influence isn’t just a warning about the perils of online health content—it’s a practical, thoughtfully argued playbook for navigating a world where information moves faster than science. Readers gain tools to assess credibility, recognize manipulation, and separate signal from noise in an ever-expanding digital ecosystem. The book’s calm, evidence-based tone respects readers’ intelligence while offering concrete steps they can take today to protect their health decisions. Whether you’re a curious reader, a student of health communication, a caregiver, or a clinician seeking a public-facing reference, this is a timely, trustworthy companion for the digital health era.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.