The Download: how doctors fight conspiracy theories, and your AI footprint

How conspiracy theories infiltrated the doctor's office As anyone who has googled their symptoms and convinced themselves that they've got a brain tumor will attest, the internet makes it very easy to self-(mis)diagnose your health problems. And although social media and other digital forums can be a lifeline for some people looking for a diagnosis or community, when that information is wrong, it can put their well-being and even lives in danger. We spoke to a number of health-care professionals who told us how this modern impulse to "do your own research" is changing their profession. This story is part of's series " Look at the big picture instead. As a climate technology reporter, I'm often asked by people whether they should be using AI, given how awful it is for the environment. Generally, I tell them not to worry--let a chatbot plan your vacation, suggest recipe ideas, or write you a poem if you want.