What will 2026 bring for so-called alternative medicine (SCAM)?

I am often asked what the future might bring for so-called alternative medicine (SCAM). Yet, I have to admit that I am not a good fortune teller; despite my long-standing interest in the subject, I feel quite unsure how things might develop.

Does anyone know?

I don’t think so!

How about AI? Surely it must know!

I did – and the result was for several reasons reassuring:

1. It showed that AI can produce a lot of BS.
2. It proved to me that AI does not know more about SCAM than I do.
3. It demonstrated that AI is also not a fortune teller.
4. It confirmed that, even when AI does not know, it will give you lengthy answers.

So, AI nor anyone else does not know what 2026 will bring for AI. In this situation, I thought I might list a few things that SHOULD happen in an ideal world. Here are a few thoughts:

• Journalists should stop the irresponsible promotion of SCAM and report about it more critically warning patients of the dangers of charlatans.
• SCAM practitioners should behave more ethically, for instance, in terms of informed consent telling patients the truth about the evidence of their therapies.
• SCAM researchers should test hypothesis rather than try to prove their hunches right.
• Journal editors should be much more critical and stop publishing every odd rubbish masquarading as science.
• Patients should stop being naive and consider that the many claims made in the realm of SCAM might be exaggerated, wrong or dangerous.

Speaking of naive – I am aware of the fact that it would be naive if I assumed that any of the above will actually happen. I don’t! But, as it is the beginning of a new year, you might allow me to get carried away and to dream a little.