Is This Wi-Fi Organic?: A Guide to Spotting Misleading Science Online

by Dave Farina

Overview

How to separate facts from fake science in the Disinformation Age: “Cuts through the chaos . . . sure to keep you laughing while also keeping you thinking.” —Matt Candeias, PhD, author of In Defense of Plants

We live in an era when scams, frauds, fake news, fake stories, fake science, and false narratives are everywhere. Fortunately, you don’t need a BS in Science to spot science BS. This guide from educator Dave Farina, aka YouTube’s Professor Dave, is a playful yet practical investigation of popular opinions and consumer trends that permeate our society. Shoppers insist on “organic” everything even if they’re unable to define the term. Healers and quantum mystics secure a foothold alongside science-based medicine in an unregulated and largely unchallenged landscape. Misleading marketing is used to sell you products and services that range from ineffectual to downright dangerous.

With the knowledge gained from Dave Farina’s simple explanations of basic scientific principles, you can learn to spot misinformation and lies on the internet before they spot you. Learn the real science behind such semi-controversial subjects as drugs, vaccines, energy, and biotechnology—and most importantly, arm yourself with the critical-thinking skills everyone needs in a world filled with nonsense.

“Scientific literacy is our best defense in an age of increasing disinformation.” —Kellie Gerardi, aerospace professional and author of Not Necessarily Rocket Science

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781642504163
Publisher:	Mango Media
Publication date:	11/18/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	254
File size:	10 MB

About the Author

Dave Farina has a BA in chemistry from Carleton College and an MA in science education from California State University, Northridge. After years of teaching chemistry in the classroom, he turned his attention to science communication in 2015, focusing primarily on his YouTube channel Professor Dave Explains.

Dave’s channel serves as a database of nearly a thousand tutorials in a wide variety of scientific fields. These educational videos have just enough detail to help struggling high school and undergraduate students and are visually engaging and general enough for any viewer who just wants to learn a few things.

Although Dave is passionate about helping students all over the world reach their academic and career goals, he is even more passionate about bestowing the public with basic science literacy. Anti-science sentiment has been growing in recent years, and it has demonstrated itself to be harmful to society. Dave is devoted to diagnosing and disarming common anti-science narratives and exposing pseudoscience wherever it crops up.

Table of Contents

Introduction: How Does the Public Perceive Science? Part 1: Chemistry Chapter 1: What Are All These Lines and Hexagons? Chapter 2: Dispelling Vitalism Chapter 3: Natural vs. Synthetic: Tackling Chemophobia Part 2: Biochemistry Chapter 4: The Molecules of Life Chapter 5: The Molecular Basis of Wellness Chapter 6: The Rise of the Alt-Health Industry Part 3: Biology Chapter 7: The Body as Machine Chapter 8: Recognizing Science-Based Medicine Chapter 9: Biotechnology and the Future of the Species Part 4: Physics Chapter 10: Energy Defined Chapter 11: An Equation For This and an Equation For That Chapter 12: To Debunk is Divine Epilogue: Science and Industry in an Educated World Appendix Index

Editorial Reviews

"With undeniable charm and just the right amount of humor, Is This Wi Fi Organic? cuts through the chaos of both bombastic woo and pretentious scientific pomp to deliver a wonderfully rational discussion on some of the biggest misconceptions plaguing the publics’ view of the discipline that is science. This book is sure to keep you laughing while also keeping you thinking. The contents of these pages will help the reader understand the power of science to help both humanity and the planet thrive.” —Matt Candeias, author of In Defense of Plants

"Dave Farina’s diverting exploration of snake-oil science is a must-have for any family gathering — finally, you’ll have the perfect (+ accurate) repartee for debunking MLM homeopathy and clarifying that a “chemical free” label is a misnomer." —Zara Stone, author of The Future of Science is Female

“Scientific literacy is our best defense in an age of increasing disinformation. Dave Farina offers readers helpful mental frameworks to ascertain what is fact, and a cloak of protection against tempting fiction.” —Kellie Gerardi, Aerospace Professional and Author of Not Necessarily Rocket Science

From the Publisher