To be clear, when I mock "do your own research," I'm specifically mocking 1. the people who go out there cherrypicking only information that confirms their own preexisting views and 2. those who simply default to being contrarian for the sake of contrariness. Naysayers for the pure sake of naysaying. Both mentalities, I believe, are rooted in a belief that everyone is against you and a desire to be one of the few who Know The Truth That Experts Are Hiding From Us.

What gets more views/attention? Someone saying, "Yea, the consensus opinion makes general sense, although reasonable people can disagree about some details." or someone saying, "Scientists are trying to keep this knowledge away from us, but I know the truth. Keep watching to find out and join our club!"

I'm not asking people to blindly trust experts, but to stop blindly opposing them.