Can You Trust Health Influencers On Social Media: Nowadays, social media is not just a platform for entertainment, but people have also started taking health related advice in large numbers. From weight loss to better sleep, blood sugar control, mental health and longevity, health influencers are becoming increasingly popular with solutions to every problem. But the question is, is it safe to trust every advice they give? Doctors and researchers believe that following online health tips without checking them can sometimes prove dangerous.

A large number of people rely on social media

According to a report by Pew Research Center, about half of people under the age of 50 in America get health and wellness information from social media influencers or podcasters. In this research, about 13 thousand such social media accounts were analyzed which have more than 1 lakh followers. The surprising thing was that only one out of five of these people was a doctor, nurse or medical professional. The rest were presenting themselves as life coaches, diet coaches, entrepreneurs or parents.

Why are people following it in large numbers?

Maria Wellman, who does research on digital wellness community at Michigan State University in the US, says that people have now started taking decisions not only about fashion or lifestyle, but also about their body and health under the influence of social media. According to Rachel Moran, a health misinformation researcher at the University of Washington, many people are losing trust in the traditional medical system and that is why they are attracted to influencers who portray themselves as normal people.

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Why social media information is not useful?

According to experts, wrong health information spreads rapidly on social media because people are easily influenced by personal experiences. If an influencer shares his weight loss journey, cancer fight or experience of any disease, people easily accept it as truth. But doctors say that one person’s experience cannot apply to everyone.

Bryony Swire-Thompson, director of Northeastern University’s Psychology of Misinformation Lab, says that many people spread false health information for profit and then sell products or courses related to it. Some fake claims include home remedies for cancer, supplements without scientific evidence and miracle cures.

What should you do?

Doctors advise to check every health tip seen on social media before trusting it. See whether the person giving advice has a medical degree or not, whether his advice is based on scientific research and whether he is making profit by selling any product. Experts also say that for correct information, priority should be given to reliable sources.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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