Nearly 8 million Americans search the Internet daily for medical advice on everything from bumps and bruises to
cancer. But consumers should beware: this growing phenomenon of instantaneous medical advice, offered by
"Google PhDs," has a dark and dangerous side. Anyone can put seemingly authoritative medical advice on the
Internet whether or not it has any scientific merit. In this provocative and eye-opening book, prominent health
policy expert and journalist Dr. Robert Goldberg reveals how the media, trial attorneys, anti-industry activists,
and politicians work together to create a shadow campaign of doubt and fear about the safety of medical treatments. Dr. Goldberg reveals how the internet is used to scare the public and hide a political agenda, while preying on people's insecurities to the ultimate detriment of both the individual and public health. Dr. Goldberg
investigates the rise of the "instant expert," and shows how this new style of medical debate allows sensationalism and celebrity status to outweigh science and knowledge.
