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How did we arrive at a moment where misinformation and conspiracy theories can reshape healthcare decisions and public policy? The Economy of Distrust offers a clear, evidence-based exploration of the historical roots and modern mechanisms that fuel skepticism toward science and medicine.
Drawing on case studies from the Black Death to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Milan Toma traces the recurring cycles of distrust created by institutional failures, profit-driven scandals, and communication breakdowns. The book unpacks how events like the Radithor radioactive tonic scandal, the Tuskegee experiments, and the opioid crisis have left lasting scars, setting the stage for today's viral spread of health myths and conspiracy thinking.
Rather than accepting simple narratives, Dr. Toma explains how and why common medical myths and conspiracy theories arise, how they are exploited for profit, and what the real evidence shows. With accessible explanations, he explores:
The historical origins of enduring medical myths and how they gain traction
Key moments of institutional failure and their role in fostering public skepticism
The complex psychology that allows misinformation to persist, even in the face of overwhelming evidence
The roles of media, social platforms, and modern "wellness" industries in amplifying and monetizing distrust
Why marginalized communities, shaped by historical trauma, are especially vulnerable to predatory pseudoscience
How algorithmic and AI-driven communication can accelerate cycles of misinformation
Practical, system-level strategies for rebuilding public trust, improving science communication, and promoting critical thinking
The Economy of Distrust is not a catalogue of conspiracies, but an in-depth look at the real forces behind them. It provides readers with the context to understand why misinformation spreads and offers constructive approaches for addressing it. Dr. Toma's commitment to evidence-based analysis ensures that every claim is rooted in verifiable research, making this book a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, educators, journalists, and anyone seeking to make sense of our current information landscape.
If you want to understand the historical and social patterns that have brought us to this point-and how we can move toward a more resilient, informed, and equitable future-The Economy of Distrust provides the clarity and insight needed for both understanding and action.
