Oneworld has acquired Deborah Cohen’s Bad Influence: How the Internet Hijacked Our Health, publishing in hardback, audiobook and ebook on 22^nd January 2026. Editorial director Cecilia Stein bought world English-language rights from Caroline Hardman.

Bad Influence is an “urgent and extensively researched investigation into the way healthcare is being impacted by social media, the role of big tech in modern medicine and the commodification of our health. As NHS waiting lists reach record highs and GP appointments become increasingly hard to secure, people now turn to Instagram doctors and celebrity wellness gurus for medical advice. Cohen explores what this means for our collective wellbeing.”

Deb Cohen said “I wrote this book after realising that millions of people are relying on algorithms, influencers and barely regulated advertising for their medical advice. Friends were trying to diagnose themselves and find treatments online – whether for ADHD, hormone replacements, screening tests – while wrestling with questions I face every day in my reporting: Does this treatment work? Who regulates it? Who profits? I wanted to explore what this new marketplace is really doing to us, and to give people the tools to navigate it safely.”

Cecilia Stein said “Many of us have been swayed by people’s personal health stories online, leading to a surge of self-diagnosis and self-medication. Deborah has spent her career investigating medical policy and practices and her message is simple and urgent. Good health is precious, so be careful who and what you’re buying into.”

The Bookseller article can be read here.