Newsweek speaks to science writer and pro-vaccine advocate, David Robert Grimes, who has received the John Maddox Prize for communicating science in the face of hostility.
In recent years, the anti-vaccine movement has become increasingly prominent in the U.S. and indeed other parts of the world. This is particularly concerning given that experts believe increasing rates of vaccine hesitancy—the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite their availabilityin some regions—are likely fueling new outbreaks of easily preventable diseases, such as measles.
Grimes has previously conducted research into how conspiracy theories spread and is currently working on a study which is looking to quantify the problem of the online harassment of science advocates. He is also currently writing a book, The Irrational Ape: Why Flawed Logic Puts Us All at Risk and How Critical Thinking Can Save the World.
Behind every disease statistic is a loved-one lost, a family torn asunder. We can prevent many of these diseases. But we have this boneheaded, egotistical, conspiracy theory minority who are undermining that. I don’t want anyone to have to say, ‘My daughter or mother died of cervical cancer.’ That can be history.The fundamental thing that unites these groups, whether they’re anti-vaccine or something else, is a conspiratorial mindset.
First Amendment rights matter in the U.S., so people have the right to express anti-vaccine views. But we have to as a society improve our critical thinking skills and become slightly savvier about what our sources are. So, if I go to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, the World Health Organization, or another reputable organization and look up a specific vaccination, I will get impartial, detailed, trustworthy information. If I go into a search engine and put that in, I will not.
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