Science Literacy, the Internet & HIV deniers
A fascinating article just came out in the Public Library of Science about the various movements that deny HIV is the cause of AIDS that are finding new audiences the internet ( HIV Denial in the Internet Era)
Seemingly working from the position of underdogs fighting mainstream scientific authority, denial groups undermine the importance of basic health measure that can help keep all of us from catching or transmitting HIV and other infectious diseases.
No doubt the treatment of those with AIDS is in need of constant improvement, but denial of its known cause as a means to promote alternative treatments is unethical. It is denial of what the scientific community has spent so much time and resources trying to understand.
Seemingly working from the position of underdogs fighting mainstream scientific authority, denial groups undermine the importance of basic health measure that can help keep all of us from catching or transmitting HIV and other infectious diseases.
No doubt the treatment of those with AIDS is in need of constant improvement, but denial of its known cause as a means to promote alternative treatments is unethical. It is denial of what the scientific community has spent so much time and resources trying to understand.