Rise of Uncredentialed Health Influencers on Social Media

The doctor in your phone may not be a doctor: How medicine is losing the information war

Many Americans now seek health advice from social media influencers and podcasts. These sources often lack medical credentials, and users find them convenient but not accurate. Global studies reveal influencers frequently omit health screening test risks and downsides. Social media algorithms amplify misinformation due to emotional appeal and engagement metrics. AI models also struggle to distinguish fabricated health advice from legitimate medical guidance.

By MAITREE BARAL