Why health misinformation is a serious outbreak requiring a new breed of communicator
In short: Epidemiologist Jessica Malaty Rivera examines the erosion of public trust in science. This conversation explores the challenges of maintaining credibility in an era where expertise is frequently questioned and outlines the essential qualities needed to become a trusted messenger for health information.
Recorded at TEDNext on November 9, 2025, this session features Jessica Malaty Rivera in discussion with Whitney Pennington Rodgers. Rivera argues that health misinformation functions as a distinct, dangerous outbreak that requires active intervention from the scientific community.
The discussion centers on the shifting landscape of public confidence. By analyzing why faith in scientific institutions is wavering, Rivera provides a framework for how experts can effectively communicate during periods of intense skepticism, emphasizing the necessity of rebuilding authority in a digital age.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Infodemic — and the Scientists Fighting Against It | Jessica Malaty Rivera | TED
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