Information Sick: How Journalism's Decline and Misinformation's Rise Are Harming Our Health--And What We Can Do about It

How misinformation erodes public health--and how new media innovations can help create healthier communities.

The erosion of local news, the polarization of national media, and the rising flood of misinformation continue to jeopardize public health and trust. In Information Sick, Joanne Kenen, Lymari Morales, and Joshua M. Sharfstein, MD, examine the dire consequences of a fractured information ecosystem, where misinformation spreads unchecked and undermines science, policy, and health.

The authors trace the decline of traditional news structures and the rise of new challenges, including the dangerous spread of disinformation on social media and the lack of accountability in digital spaces. These shifts have left communities uninformed about critical public health issues--from vaccination campaigns to climate change--while eroding confidence in the institutions meant to protect them. Yet Information Sick also offers a message of resilience and innovation. The authors highlight emerging media efforts that focus on public interest journalism, equitable reporting, and sustainable business models. From nonprofit newsrooms to an information playbook for public health, these examples show how the information ecosystem can be rebuilt to support a healthier society.

Case studies bring these efforts to life, offering concrete solutions for fostering trust, enhancing transparency, and re-establishing the media's role as a cornerstone of public health advocacy. Designed for public health leaders, policymakers, students, advocates, and anybody who wants to know more about the dangerous erosion of trustworthy health news Information Sick equips readers with tools to navigate the modern information landscape and take meaningful steps to counter misinformation and strengthen public health communication.

Joanne Kenen is a nationally known health journalist, writer, and public speaker focused on health policy and public health. Lymari Morales is a communications executive whose work blends timeless journalism tactics with modern digital strategies. Joshua M. Sharfstein, MD, is a pediatrician by training, a former health commissioner, and a professor of the practice in health policy and management.