Table of Contents
Award-winning journalist Deborah Cohen’s forthcoming book, Bad Influence: How the Internet Hijacked Our Health, will explore the growing influence of social media, big tech, and the commodification of health on modern healthcare practices. Scheduled for publication on January 22,2026,by Oneworld,the book promises an extensively researched inquiry into a rapidly evolving landscape where individuals increasingly turn to online sources for medical advice.https://www.thebookseller.com/news/oneworld-acquires-bad-influence-by-deborah-cohen-739981
The Rise of Digital Health and Self-Diagnosis
The book addresses a critical issue: the increasing reliance on platforms like Instagram and TikTok for health data, especially as access to traditional healthcare faces challenges. Record-high NHS waiting lists in the UK and difficulties securing GP appointments are driving individuals to seek guidance from “Instagram doctors” and wellness influencers. https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/audio-video/nhs-waiting-times-explained This trend raises concerns about the accuracy of information, the potential for misdiagnosis, and the risks associated with unregulated treatments.
Cohen highlights the growing practice of self-diagnosis and treatment attempts for conditions like ADHD and hormone imbalances, fueled by online resources and advertising. She questions the efficacy of these treatments, the regulatory oversight (or lack thereof), and the financial motivations behind the online health marketplace.
Deborah Cohen brings important experience to this investigation. She previously served as the science editor for ITV News and health correspondent for BBC Newsnight, where she led their Covid-19 coverage. Prior to that, she established the investigations unit at the British Medical Journal (BMJ), a highly respected medical and health policy journal. https://www.bmj.com/ This background positions her well to critically analyze the complex interplay between medicine, technology, and public health.
concerns About Regulation and Profit
A central theme of Bad Influence is the lack of robust regulation in the online health space. The book will likely examine how algorithms and advertising contribute to the spread of misinformation and potentially harmful health advice. Cohen’s work aims to expose the financial incentives driving the commodification of health and to empower individuals to navigate the digital health landscape safely.
Cecilia Stein, editorial director at Oneworld, emphasizes the book’s urgency, noting that many are swayed by personal health stories online, leading to increased self-diagnosis and self-medication. She underscores the importance of discerning credible sources of health information, stating, “Good health is precious, so be careful who and what you’re buying into.”
Secondary Keywords (AI Steadfast – based on content and search trends):
* Digital Health
* Social Media and Health
* Health Misinformation
* Self-Diagnosis
* Online Healthcare
* wellness Influencers
* Medical Regulation
* NHS Waiting Times
* Telemedicine
* Health Commodification
* Deborah Cohen
* Bad influence (book)
* Big Tech and Healthcare
* Algorithm Bias (in healthcare)
* Preventative Healthcare (online)
Related reading