In our society of celebrities , mass media and social networks, the adventures and misadventures of celebrities outweigh all medical and scientific advice. So much as to sometimes suppose an important benefit for public health.
On November 17, actor Charlie Sheen announced on NBC’s Today Show that he was a carrier of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) . On the same day, in the US, news stories citing HIV increased 265% (97% named Sheen); and the highest number of Google searches in a single day related to the virus.
These are data collected in a study led by John W. Ayers, professor at the School of Public Health at San Diego State University (USA), which has shown that information coverage of AIDS and Google searches on it The disease and its prevention were triggered as soon as Sheen’s confession occurred.
In addition – and this is the important thing – the avalanche of information and data went beyond curiosity and curiosity: Google searches related to HIV turned out to be 417% higher than expected for the day of Sheen’s declaration (Researchers have relied on previously recorded means). Searches for the term “condom” (such as “buy condoms”) increased by 75%. Those related to HIV symptoms rose 540%, and those related to AIDS tests increased 214%. These searches were maintained three days above the previous means.
The figures are significant, since in recent years there has been a halt in the rate of decline in HIV infections in rich countries, which specialists associate with less public awareness and poor prevention policies.
The authors of the study believe that the “Charlie Sheen effect” will drive the prevention of AIDS , and they highlight the decisive influence of celebrities in the public perception of the diseases, as previous cases have shown: it is enough to remember Rock Hudson and Magic Johnson with the AIDS, or Angelina Jolie with breast and ovarian cancer.
