I have heard people saying stuff like “it doesn’t hurt to try” this or that unproven remedy or product. But here’s the problem – it’s not just about efficacy claims, but also about safety issues. If someone decides to buy a device for a medical or medicinal purpose, the sensible thing to do is to look for information aside from that connected with the seller or manufacturer, and ask frank questions of the vendor about the safety profile of a device. And heads up, FTC does not assure medical safety, and also “FDA cleared” is not the same thing as “FDA approved” either.
There have been cases where shoddy products are put out on the heels of “promising news” on tech that is speculative or just not ready for prime time so no major manufacturer is producing anything yet. Sellers might even pass off counterfeit items which could prove dangerous, or just fakes. Do you have a way at home to verify that a piece of technology works the way it claims? If not, how do you know? And how do you know all the hype isn’t just a buncha inauthentic hype?
I’m not against innovation and research into new technology. But things need to be considered in the context of safety and efficacy. Such as how the vaccines have been tested not just for efficacy, but safety profile, and in the context of that the benefits far outweigh the risks. This the case with many medications and treatments. The vaccines went through a rigorous process. This is done in the context of regulations and why we have, however imperfect, a system to discern, ideally informed by scientific methods. Unfortunately “innovation” can be a red flag of hype marketing far out ahead of any proof of safety and efficacy.
Regulations make life in a civilization possible. You can’t just throw anything at the wall — unless you wanna F around and find out.
The Uncertain Hour podcast – The Peanut Butter Grandma goes to Washington is one of the best and most important podcasts I’ve ever listened to, and so I mention it often. I think most would agree peanut butter should be made out of peanuts, but at one point in the past, manufacturers started making peanut butter with many additives and fillers, and the industry even argued that making it mostly of actual peanuts would supposedly stifle innovation in peanut butter. Ruth Desmond’s civic engagement came out of concern about the safety of the food she and her family was eating.
Tech Won’t Save Us podcast – The Real History of the Luddites, Brian Merchant – explains the truth about Luddites — an age old tech at any cost story. In my view it even reveals that employers railing against Work From Home isn’t new at all. And the story of the Luddites also demonstrates the benefits vs. harm calculation which is ever present, and should be, on the road to progress.