The rise of ‘trusted messengers’ and the danger of blind compliance

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“Over recent years, healthcare professionals and TV celebrities have been recruited to act as influential mouthpieces, with behavioural scientists often providing guidance regarding what they should say,” writes Dr Gary Sidley of the situation in the UK 

Sidley is concerned about the increasing use of ‘trusted messengers’ to promote government agendas (known as nudging), particularly around climate change and public health. 

He argues that these messengers often push narratives without questioning their legitimacy, potentially causing more harm than good. 

Sidley notes the influence of behavioural scientists in shaping these messages and warns of the dangers of blindly following directives from perceived authorities without critical analysis.

Sidley cites historic parallels, such as the Milgram experiments. ‘Experts’ persuaded individuals to act against their better judgement by administering what they thought were life-threatening electric shocks. 

He critiques recent initiatives like the WHO’s ‘Communicating on Climate Change and Health Toolkit’ and the Royal College of Physicians’ ‘Green Physician Toolkit,’ arguing that they exploit public trust in healthcare professionals to push climate catastrophism. 

Editor’s note: The punch line for us is if “trusted messengers” are being used to shill things they really do not know anything about, then is the message going to be believed or are the messengers going to lose their credibility?

Read more over at Gary Sidley substack