How to Identify Medical Misinformation on Social Media, Especially for Gen Z Men
As access to online information increases, many Gen Z men are turning to social media for health advice. In fact, one-third of Gen Z men in the U.S. rely on social media as their go-to source for health information, according to a recent survey by the Cleveland Clinic.
The survey, which polled 1,000 American men aged 18 and older, revealed significant differences in how generations approach health concerns. While all generations consider healthcare providers as top sources of health information, Gen Z men are most likely to turn to social media for advice.
With so much information available online, it’s essential to identify and avoid medical misinformation. Here are four signs that may help you spot false health information, as recommended by Dr. Seema Yasmin, author of What The Fact?!: Finding the Truth in All the Noise, and Deen Freelon, professor at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania:
- It sounds too good to be true: Be cautious of health claims that promise miracle cures or use words like “100% effective” or “guaranteed.” These terms are often associated with inaccurate or misleading information.
- It plays at your emotions: Posts designed to provoke emotional reactions are often intended to manipulate your feelings and make you share false information. Yasmin warns that misinformation is frequently structured to provoke a strong response, making it easier for falsehoods to spread.
- It promotes unfamiliar cures with no scientific backing: If a social media post advertises an alternative cure that you’ve never heard of, be skeptical. Freelon advises double-checking the source and verifying if the information is supported by reputable health organizations. Some individuals profit from promoting unverified health remedies.
- It feels fabricated or outlandish: When something seems too far-fetched or like science fiction, it may not be credible. If the information starts to unravel under basic questioning, it’s likely misinformation.
Both experts suggest always verifying the source of the health advice you come across. Ask yourself if the person sharing the information is truly qualified to speak on the subject or if they have a history of promoting dubious claims. Trustworthy health sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or your state’s health organizations, are the best places to verify claims you’ve seen online.
