Health advice is all over social media. Here’s how to vet claims

A Pew Research Center survey found that 4 in 10 U.S. adults—including nearly half of those under 50—turn to social media or podcasts for health and wellness advice. Among 6,828 influencers with at least 100,000 followers, only 40% listed a background in health professions, with many identifying as coaches, entrepreneurs, or relying on personal experience. The survey also showed that while half of people who follow health influencers reported better understanding their health, one-third said it made no difference, and 1 in 10 felt more confused. Experts emphasize skepticism when evaluating health claims online. Credentials are key: influencers should clearly display their qualifications, as titles like ‘coach’ often lack formal training. Courtney Babilya, a certified medical exercise specialist, warns against unqualified individuals offering medical advice, particularly in niche areas like maternity or chronic illness. Viral content often relies on shock value or emotional triggers, which can mislead vulnerable audiences, such as the 53% of uninsured individuals who seek health information on social media. Dr. Fatima Daoud Yilmaz, an OB-GYN, advises questioning whether an influencer’s claims align with scientific consensus and avoiding exaggerated statements, especially in attention-grabbing hooks. Consumers should also watch for definitive language and ambivalent wording, which can indicate credibility. Experts stress that not all opinions are equal in health and medicine, urging caution when applying advice from unverified sources.