Chapter 1: The Hidden Struggles of Dementia Awareness
In light of my recent exploration into the suppression of content surrounding cancer and suicide, I now find myself delving into a similar predicament involving a vital narrative on dementia, a topic that resonates deeply with me as I age.
Photo by Gianfranco Marotta from Pexels
My investigation has unveiled troubling truths about how discussions on dementia are also susceptible to censorship. Despite contributions from qualified professionals—a medical doctor and a clinical psychologist—this significant piece has struggled to reach its audience. The platform boasts millions of followers interested in health topics, which raises concerns regarding its algorithmic practices, especially in disseminating critical health information.
Section 1.1: The Algorithmic Dilemma
The situation escalated on June 11, 2024, when a comprehensive story was submitted to my Health and Science publication. After reviewing the draft, I shared it with three MDs and other experts, including our lead editor, Dr. Yildiz, whose research focuses on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The goal was to ensure the story received the attention it deserved.
Image by the author
After a thorough review, the article was finally published. However, within 24 hours of its release, it garnered only 16 views, primarily from external sources, with merely 9 reads attributed to our editorial team. The lack of organic engagement from the platform suggests a significant shortfall in its outreach to health-related topics and followers.
Section 1.2: The Implications of Censorship
Despite my publication being relatively new—drawing around 2000 visitors—this particular author, Dr. Emmanuel Ogamdi, boasts an impressive 6000 followers. This discrepancy raises serious questions about the efficacy of the platform's distribution model.
We discovered another censored health piece authored by Dr. Mehmet Yildiz, which analyzed sexually transmitted diseases. This article was scrutinized by an MIT data scientist, who highlighted the issues within the algorithm. The insights shared in this analysis provide a clear overview of the systemic challenges faced by writers on this platform.
Chapter 3: Embracing the Future of Health Writing
Our team, comprising over 500 committed science writers, is ready to embark on this exciting journey. We invite you to join us on Substack, as we continue to promote the significance of health and science discussions.
Thank you for your time, and I wish you a long and healthy life.
About Me
I am a retired scientist in my 70s, fueled by the inspiration of my grandchildren, and I serve as the chief editor for the Health and Science publication on Medium. As part of my commitment to nurturing new writers, I volunteer as an editor for Illumination publications, and I'm always eager to read, publish, and promote your stories. Connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Quora for more insights.