character analysis

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people spread false information about the virus and vaccines. One example of the main people behind this was Dr. Joseph Mercola. He was a well-known alternative medicine doctor. He shared misleading health advice online (Frenkel). Mercola spoke in a way that was convincing to many. He persuaded people to trust him with his words, even without truth behind his claims people believed him. Moreover, he made money from selling supplements and promoted distrust towards doctors and the government. His persuasive voice, financial motives, and distrust regarding medical experts was what made him one of the most influential figures in spreading fear and misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine.

      Dr. Joseph Mercola is highly persuasive. He uses his confident language and emotional appeals to make his false health claims seems believable. According to New York Times, “Researchers and regulators say Joseph Mercola creates and profits from misleading claims about Covid-19 vaccines” (Frenkel).  Jonathan Jarry explains that “Mercola’s. conspiratorial take on COVID-19 is monumentally wrong, but the upside-down world he paints with his alarming words is based on real concerns.” (Jarry). These examples show how Mercola’s persuasive style made people gain his trust more than doctors. He presented himself as a doctor who cares for people and is trying to expose hidden truths. This resulted in attracting people who already doubt

the government. Mercola made misinformation sound like expert advice, which increased fear and confusion about the vaccine.

          Dr. Mercola is also considered greedy. His motives are motivated by profit. During the pandemic, he sold supplements on his website. These websites claimed that they can protect people from COVID-19. The center for Science in the Public interest said, “Mercola and others cashed in on COVID-19 fears by promoting supplements and other products as unproven cures” (CPSI). The associated also claimed that “Mercola has been accused by federal regulators of making false claims about products that he sells, including supplements said to prevent COVID-19” (AP News). These reports confirm how Mercola used peoples fear to make money. His greed turned him to a doctor that is giving dishonest medical advice and betraying his morals as a doctor.

           Dr. Mercola is known for his defiance towards authority and science-based institutions. He would criticize government health agencies and claims that they hide the truth about vaccines to the people. The Center for Countering Digital Hate reported that Mercola “spread distrust in public health institutions by framing them as corrupt and controlled by powerful interests” (CCDH). He represented himself as a truth-teller fighting against what he calls “corrupt systems.” His way of claiming made his attitude seem like a hero to people. Especially to the ones that already have their doubts for the government. Therefore, Mercola made misinformation spread faster and made it harder for people to know what they believe during the pandemic by rejecting authority.

          In conclusion, Dr. Joseph Mercola’s action during the Covid-19 pandemic was an example of how powerful and harmful misinformation can be. His persuasive language, distrust of authority, and his greed led him to have confidence in spreading false health claims which became one of the most influential anti-vaccine figures online. These traits helped him gain supportive followers; however, it also created fear and confusion about the vaccine. Mercola’s story showed us that even educated people such as doctors can use their influence in a dangerous way. It should be a lesson that reminds us to think critically and always check for reliable sources.