Journal Entry 1

Zhen 1

Kenneth Zhen

English 21003 Section M

Professor Matyakubova

3 September 2017

Journal Entry 1

            After watching TED Talk on “Battling Bad Science” by Ben Goldacre. I started to understand and agree with Ben Goldacre and how science can be manipulated with the use of media. I agree with his argument because this manipulation happens quite often. One of the most common types of manipulation of science is the advertising of prescription drugs or any type of medication. While the media are paid to boast on how many medications will benefit you or cure your sickness better than others. Not all medications include the possible side effects or risks you would be taking for consuming the medication.

            Not only do I agree with how the media can manipulate on how people feel about science but I also agree with Ben Goldacre argument on how the Australian study in 2001 on how to reduce wrinkling isn’t accurate. This argument can also be used on medications because we have no way of knowing what medications can do to a person’s body. It is impossible to find accurate results because there is never enough evidence to be sure the medication is safe. Not only it is hard to find accurate results drug companies refuse to send full data on medications as Ben Goldacre says in the video “the infectious disease conquering group in Italy has been trying to get the full data out of the drug company”, but has not been able to get that information. As a medication that has been proved to benefit millions of people can also be the death of another person because everyone is different genetically.