Many people get most of their health information from social media. Alas, it is not always correct information.
According to ML Wang and K Togher in JAMA PEDIATRICS this year, health misinformation ”is extremely prevalent” (see reference at the end).
The article goes on to say, “Due to targeted marketing, health misinformation on social media also disproportionately harms female adolescents, racial and ethnic minority youth, LGBQT+ youth, and other marginalized groups.”
Misinformation may lead to “distorted perceptions of body image and healthy behaviors.” For example, youth may engage in unhealthy, even dangerous, eating behaviors such as forced vomiting after meals.
“The constant comparison to unattainable body standards on social media also contributes to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and increased anxiety and depression.”
The authors recommend combatting health misinformation by encouraging adolescents to learn to “use fact-checking websites and tools to help verify information accuracy, understand algorithmic biases, recognize click-bait tactics, critically analyze content, and identify reputable sources.”
Two helpful tools to assess health information accuracy are “Take Two Media Initiatives” and “Media Literacy Now.”
[Wang ML & Togher K. JAMA Pediatrics 2024; 178(2): 178-110]
Peter M. Hartmann, MD
Family Medicine & Psychiatry
