“Evangelical vaccine hesitancy is both an information problem and a spiritual problem.” With White Evangelicals leading the pack in refusing to get vaccinated for COVID-19, David French posits that they’re more likely to listen to close friends rather than an institution they’ve been taught to distrust. “You can’t berate them into trusting institutions they may perceive to be distant, elitist, and hostile”. Instead, the door to persuading them to get vaccinated supposedly lies in starting with making them feel cared for. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
