Bad Influence: How the internet hijacked our health

Mon Jun 08 2026 at 06:15 pm to 07:15 pm UTC+01:00

The Lakehouse - Ron Cooke Hub | York

York Festival of Ideas
Publisher/HostYork Festival of Ideas
Bad Influence: How the internet hijacked our health
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Journalist Deborah Cohen explores the shift to online health, from Ozempic influencers and AI diagnoses to wearable tech and screenings.
About this Event

Speaker: Deborah Cohen

You used to see a doctor. Now you go online.

Want to lose weight? Build muscle? Get pregnant? Advice is just a click away. With long waits for treatment and fewer face-to-face GP appointments, influencers have stepped into the breach. From doctors promoting untested therapies to celebrities selling solutions, these self-styled experts radiate wellness and guarantee results.

Join broadcaster and journalist Deborah Cohen, author of Bad Influence, as she explores the transformation of a healthcare system driven by online trends. Learn about the commodification of health in an age of anxiety and discover the truth behind Ozempic influencers, AI-powered diagnoses, ‘preventative’ screening and Instagram’s favourite wearable tech.

Book sales

You can buy copies of many of our speakers’ books from Fox Lane Books, a local independent bookseller and Festival partner. In some cases, author signed bookplates are available too.

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Please ensure you use the correct email address as this is where your ticket will be sent. If you do not provide the correct address, you will not receive the acknowledgement email or ticket.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Lakehouse - Ron Cooke Hub, Campus East, York, United Kingdom

Tickets

GBP 0.00

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