Fecha de publicación: 14/01/2025 Fuente: Tobacco Reporter Lugar: News This Week A recent study published in Nature highlights the increasing online harassment faced by public health researchers focusing on tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods. These scientists are often labeled with derogatory terms such as “Nicotine Nazis,” particularly when their research challenges the interests of powerful industries.



The study reveals that researchers advocating for stricter regulations on tobacco and nicotine products are frequent targets of coordinated online attacks. These attacks aim to discredit their work and intimidate them into silence, potentially hindering public health advancements.



The harassment includes personal insults, threats, and the dissemination of false information about the researchers’ findings. The study authors fear that such hostile environments can deter scientists from engaging in critical public health research, thereby allowing industry interests to overshadow scientific evidence.



According to the researchers, addressing this issue requires a concerted effort from academic institutions, policymakers, and social media platforms to protect researchers from online harassment. Implementing supportive measures can ensure that public health experts continue their essential work without fear of intimidation, ultimately contributing to more effective tobacco control policies.