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Quackcrep: A Conceptual Analysis of Digital Charlatanism in Pseudomedical Ecosystems

Quackcrep represents a new challenge in health misinformation. Further longitudinal work is needed. quackcrep

This paper introduces the neologism “quackcrep” — a portmanteau of “quack” (medical fraud) and “crep” (from crepuscular , meaning active at twilight or deceptive half-visibility). We define quackcrep as the gradual, low-visibility spread of pseudo-expertise through social media micro-influencers. Using a qualitative case study approach, we analyze three emergent behaviors. Findings suggest quackcrep operates below traditional debunking thresholds. Quackcrep: A Conceptual Analysis of Digital Charlatanism in

The rise of wellness influencers has outpaced regulatory frameworks. While “quackery” implies overt fraud, a subtler phenomenon — quackcrep — remains under-theorized. We define quackcrep as the gradual, low-visibility spread

Quackcrep evades platform moderation because no single post is clearly false. Counterstrategies are proposed.

Quackcrep exhibits lower overt falsehood density than classical quackery but higher persistence. Remediation requires time-stamped consensus alerts rather than fact-check flags.

Mixed methods: discourse analysis of 500 Telegram messages (2024–2025) + semi-structured interviews with 15 former alternative health group members.