In class, we watched most of the movie “Merchants of Doubt,” which tackled the topic of misinformation on a grande scale. It exposed pundits-for-hire who present themselves as scientific authorities as they speak about topics like toxic chemicals, pharmaceuticals and/or climate change. It is based on the book by Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway, directed by Robert Kenner. Please write a reflection about misinformation, its origin, diffusion and impact (2 pages). What makes misinformation so effective? What about its consequences, both short-term and long-term? Who benefits from spreading it? This can be your personal experience, maybe it affected someone you know, or you can talk about the topic in general (you can of course reflect on the movie as well). The assignment is due on May 21.

If you missed class, the movie can be found online for $2.99. I did come across a free version, but the movie itself is shown in a very small window, which is not ideal, but here it is:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqiCLuOtXts (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.