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

Mixed methods: discourse analysis of 500 Telegram messages (2024–2025) + semi-structured interviews with 15 former alternative health group members. This paper introduces the neologism “quackcrep” — a

The rise of wellness influencers has outpaced regulatory frameworks. While “quackery” implies overt fraud, a subtler phenomenon — quackcrep — remains under-theorized. Mixed methods: discourse analysis of 500 Telegram messages

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

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

Quackcrep: A Conceptual Analysis of Digital Charlatanism in Pseudomedical Ecosystems