[MichaelZuo]

I'm fairly certain it's possible to discuss the possibility and likelihood of things in the medial context without there being a 'formal causality link'.

From a random sample of HN user's comments in the last year in some context or another this is a well established usage in a supermajority of them. So if you must insist on it, you likely will always be outvoted, at least with other HN users.

[aatd86]

I don't understand what you mean respectfully.

If it's about statistics and sampling methodology, I am afraid we are veering toward being quite off-topic.

I'll say that my comment was toward paying attention to the different kind of study methodologies, such as metanalysis vs randomized controlled trials and even within the latter, there are differences in qualities depending on how the control group is ensured. As opposed to experimental groups as well.

Then of course sample size.

All that because cross-correlations are possible and correlation is not causation in general.

So yeah, in the end one can ask on hackernews but that will not be statistically relevant. Worse there is the bias that people who have undergone such procedures without issue won't report most likely. So really that's not a way to collect scientific evidence.