NYT and vaping: How to lie by saying only true things (2022)
Gwern's 2022 analysis dissects a New York Times article on vaping to illustrate how media can deceive by only stating true facts. The NYT piece, published during a period of heightened concern over youth vaping, claimed that e-cigarettes contain formaldehyde and other carcinogens, and that they are not safe alternatives to smoking. While each statement is technically true, the article omitted crucial context: formaldehyde levels in vaping are comparable to those in nicotine patches, and the relative risk of vaping is estimated to be 95% lower than smoking. By failing to mention these comparisons, the NYT created a misleading impression that vaping is equally dangerous. Gwern argues that this technique—lying by omission—is a common journalistic practice that exploits readers' lack of domain knowledge. The analysis includes a detailed breakdown of the NYT's claims, showing how each true fact is rendered deceptive without proper context. Gwern also discusses the broader implications for public health, noting that such reporting may have discouraged smokers from switching to less harmful alternatives, potentially costing lives.
Developers must critically evaluate sources, as even true facts can mislead without context.