Most chest-beating internet paladins, or nightly news, or ESPN pseudo-journalists not only stumble to comprehend the most basic of statistics but the oftentimes very significant limitations of studies are totally ignored or glossed over. Poor studies get thrown around as “fact” by political zealots like teenage girls at a pillow fight.
People in scientific communities understand the limitations, the divisiveness, the lack of coherence, the poor designs, and a system riven through with conflicts of interest, funding sources, petty animosities and perverse incentives. Be careful and cynical of your information sources. Is there a possible agenda? Ask questions. Don’t be too quick to form opinions.