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Putting the Meta into Metastasis …

Date: Sunday 8th October   /   Time: 1:45pm - 3:00pm

How Facebook facilitates the viral spread of cancer misinformation.

When Brian’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer there was just one thing to do: cry a lot. Once he’d finished doing that he decided to dip his toes into the murky waters of alternative health groups on social media, to see what kind of advice he’d get for his wife’s condition. Join us for an express tour of Facebook-fuelled quackery, conspiracies, grifting, and misplaced goodwill. 

You’ll even get to try some of the cancer ‘cures’ on offer, and see just how easy it is to spread dangerous health misinformation on the world’s biggest social media platform.

Hosted by Glasgow Humanists

Portrait picture of Brian Eggo looking at the camera

Brian Eggo has been running Glasgow Skeptics since 2015, and more recently has become involved with running Skeptics in the Pub Online. He has spoken at Glasgow Science Centre, Strathclyde University, the International Humanist Conference, and numerous other Skeptics Groups. He also writes for The Skeptic, and occasionally pops up on shows such as Inkredulous and the European Skeptics Podcast. When he’s not busy with skeptical activism he passes the time with a day job in training & development, a busy family life, and occasional sleep.

Venue: Quaker Meeting House, 38 Elmbank Street, Glasgow, G2 4PS

This free event is open to all Humanist Society Scotland members, supporters, and anyone who shares our vision and values. You don’t need to book in advance, but if you’d like to be kept updated you can RSVP on Meetup. Don’t forget to pop the date in your calendar.

Glasgow Quaker Meeting House is located at 38 Elmbank Crescent, Glasgow G2 4PS and is:

  • Across the street, and 70 yards from Charing Cross Station
  • A 12 minute walk from Glasgow Central Station
  • A 20 minute walk from Glasgow Queen Street Station
  • 30 yards from Charing Cross multi-storey car park
  • 100 yards from the Kings Theatre

Bus routes:

  • Sauchiehall Street and Bath Street: 3, 4/4A, 15, 19/19A, 77
  • Holland Street: 18
  • St. Vincent Street: 2

Accessibility:

  • The front entrance on Elmbank Crescent has steps with a handrail and may not be suitable for all visitors
  • A level entrance is available to the rear accessed via Elmbank Crescent Lane, where there is  accessible parking. 
  • There is a fully accessible toilet at rear (basement level) designed for independent use: space may be restricted for persons requiring assistance.
  • There is a lift and stairs to other floors, which has the capacity to take most wheelchair users. 
  • In the event of a lift failure, fire or power cut, everyone must descend stairs to leave the Meeting Room.