Social media platforms serve as a popular destination for catching up with friends, following celebrity updates, and watching videos of adorable pygmy hippos. However, a significant number of users also search for health advice on these platforms, a prospect that raises concerns for some medical professionals. Dr. Mikhail Varshavski, known as “Doctor Mike,” is one such individual drawing attention to the implications of this practice.
With a staggering 13.4 million subscribers on his YouTube channel and additional millions on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, Doctor Mike leverages these platforms to dissect the endless stream of health-related content. His critiques range from the ridiculous to the dangerously erroneous. Beyond his online presence, Varshavski practices as a primary care physician in New Jersey. There, he witnesses first-hand the power of social media content; he reports that nearly every patient visit involves a query influenced by what they’ve encountered online. Whether it’s questions about vaccines or diet-related mishaps stemming from internet trends, Varshavski sees the pervasive reach of social media “tentacles.” More concerning are individuals deterred from seeking professional advice due to misinformation, he noted.
The impact of social media on public health perceptions is tangible, even as research struggles to keep pace with the rapid proliferation of online trends. TikTok alone boasts billions of video views. A national survey conducted by YouGov in collaboration with Healthline in September 2024 illustrates this influence. Among more than 4,000 adult respondents, 52% reported learning about health matters on social media, compared to 34% from their doctors and 30% from health websites. Around 67% of Gen Z participants—born between 1997 and 2012—who tried health trends or products in the past year were motivated by social media, versus 32% of Baby Boomers—born between 1946 and 1964.
Not all social media influences are negative, observes Dr. Katherine Chretien, a medicine professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Social platforms can effectively disseminate factual health information and connect individuals with similar health conditions for support. But she cautions users to remain vigilant.
Chretien and Varshavski provide several recommendations for engaging with health content on social media responsibly. The first is simple: pause before acting on any information. A brief moment of reflection can prevent impulsive decisions based on fear or excitement triggered by sensational content. Varshavski warns users that algorithms are tailored to captivate rather than educate, often emphasizing extreme or opinionated material over factual information.
Verification is crucial. Varshavski advises questioning the credentials of content creators: Are they experts in the field? Do they have any financial motives? Chretien concurs, suggesting extra skepticism toward those promoting products. Checking if their claims are supported by esteemed medical journals and confirming the authenticity of their medical credentials are worthwhile steps.
Licensed professionals face serious repercussions for inaccuracies, unlike lay influencers who may distribute advice unchecked. It’s natural to trust familiar faces, Varshavski acknowledges, but health advice requires scrutiny: What are their qualifications and experience?
Recognize that science often involves uncertainty, and reliable organizations rely on consensus rather than individual opinions. When advice stems from expert consensus, it provides a well-rounded perspective. However, beware of those offering absolute certainty without proper credentials.
If evaluating claims independently proves challenging, Varshavski proposes an alternative. He encourages patients to discuss online health findings with their doctor, favoring preparation for consultations over self-diagnosis or self-treatment via the internet. This approach fosters a beneficial dialogue between doctor and patient, and can even strengthen their relationship through collaborative learning.
For effective dissemination of accurate information, Chretien encourages medical professionals to actively engage on social media. By clearly presenting their qualifications and linking to reputable journals, they uphold an ethical responsibility to public health. Varshavski points out that reticence among experts to participate has allowed misinformation to flourish unchecked. Supporting accurate content by engaging with it through likes or comments can help combat misinformation.
Acknowledging the temptation of quick and convenient answers social media offers, Varshavski stresses understanding the way platforms curate this information. While health information must be both informative and engaging, ultimately, these platforms mirror the interests and clicks of their users.
This article reflects views not necessarily aligned with the American Heart Association, which holds the copyright. All rights are retained by American Heart Association, Inc.
