By Franklin Delgado
40% of American adults use social networks to obtain health information. This Pew Evaluate Center survey reveals that about 4 in 10 American adults, and about half of those under age 50, get health information through social media or podcasts.
After an analysis of profiles of 6,828 influencers who share health content, it shows that only 40% have professional credentials in the area. Most are coaches or entrepreneurs, complicating the authenticity of the information.
Despite misinformation, 50% of users consider that these influencers help them better understand their health. In contrast, 30% report that there has been no significant impact on their understanding of health.
Given the increasing dependence on digital platforms by users, experts say that a little skepticism is key to interacting with publications about fitness, mental health and deep well-being. In this context, Related Press (AP) carried out work to offer advice to raise awareness among more informed consumers.
Expert tips for consuming information
Specialists suggest taking a skeptical approach when interacting with health content on social media.
Credential verification. A trustworthy influencer should clearly present their training and experience. Users should be aware of those who cannot validate their credentials.
In this sense, Courtney Babilya, certified medical exercise specialist and deepest trainer with over 430,000 followers on instagramhas observed this situation with content on motherhood: “Someone has a baby and suddenly becomes a pregnancy coach (…) We have to be careful with people who have experience in a topic and suddenly become ‘coaches’ in that same topic,” he noted. AP.
Babilya points out that coaching is a business model, not a guarantee of training.
Be wary of exaggerated claims. It is important to distrust definitive or exaggerated statements. Clear messages about uncertainty, such as “maybe” or “sometimes,” tend to be more reliable.
These exaggerated statements frequently arise from the motivation of going viral, which is why they are tremendous.
Influence of financial incentives. Influencers often receive compensation for their content, which can bias the information they share. This aspect highlights the importance of being critical and aware consumers when receiving this information.
Source verification. Users must validate the information by reviewing scientific sources and the context of the advice received. It is recommended that consumers exercise the same caution as they would when shopping online.
Consultation with health professionals
Before proceeding with recommendations obtained from social media, it is advisable to consult a trusted healthcare provider who has a good understanding of the patient’s medical history.
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