How to safely navigate health advice on social media

Social media is a great way to follow the latest tips and tricks. Whether learning a new recipe or finding a new gadget, social media channels always share the latest. But what about health education? Is social media a credible resource for health advice and wellness tips? Reading posts and watching videos on your favorite social media sites may be a quick and convenient way to obtain answers to your questions, but that doesn't guarantee the information is reliable.

The appeal of social media health advice

In the U.S., more than 5 billion users are on social media. With so many Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok users, more health and wellness content is published every day. According to Charity Rx, a discount drug program provider, nearly 1 in 5 Americans say they trust health influencers more than medical professionals. Whether it’s about fitness, diet, or mental health, this statistic increases with the younger population. One survey by Charity Rx found that 33% of Gen Z trust TikTok more than doctors.

So, what makes the information seem more credible on social media? One of the primary reasons people turn to social media for health advice is convenience. The information is at their fingertips. Many also find it a cost-effective alternative if they do not have the time or financial commitment to visit a doctor or pay for prescriptions.

If previous generations had health-related questions, they would consult their doctor. But Gen-Z searches TikTok. The answers they find are engaging and easily digestible. Plus, influencers often use personal examples that resonate with their followers. Social media's community aspect provides a sense of support and shared experience that traditional health sources may lack.

The risks of unvetted information

Despite these advantages, health advice on social media isn’t always reliable. Unlike information from certified medical professionals or peer-reviewed journals, social media content is rarely subject to rigorous validation. This can lead to the propagation of misinformation with serious consequences. In 2021, Time magazine reported that due to social media, misinformation about COVID-19 discouraged people from taking precautions that limited the spread of the virus, including receiving the vaccine. In the present day, many social media feeds show audiences uncredible medical information. For example, misleading claims about miracle cures, weight loss hacks, or anti-vaccination rhetoric—all claims that can endanger public health.

Assessing credibility

Some social media platforms have designated fact-checkers. However, misinformation can still spread, especially when algorithms prioritize engagement over accuracy. To navigate the complex landscape of social media health advice, it is crucial to develop a critical eye. Users should look for information from reputable sources, such as verified healthcare professionals, registered clinicians, and organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and our parent organization, Mass General Brigham. Checking credentials, cross-referencing with established medical advice, and being wary of sensational claims are essential to discerning credible information. Here are some ways you can assess credibility online:

• Check the source
• Verify the information
• Evaluate the tone
• Compare the perspectives
• Apply the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose (CRAAP) test
• Use your critical thinking

The role of healthcare professionals

Increasingly, healthcare professionals are using social media to circulate accurate health information. By engaging directly with the public, they can counteract misinformation and provide evidence-based advice in an accessible format. This proactive approach educates the public and enhances the trustworthiness of social media as a source of health information.

While social media can be a valuable source of health advice, it requires careful navigation. Users must critically assess the credibility of the information and consider consulting healthcare professionals for personalized and accurate medical guidance.

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