The Shocking Truth About Social Media Health Advice: 1 in 3 Gen Z Men Are Falling for It

With access to what seems like a never-ending flow of information online, some Gen Z men are relying on social media for their health advice. According to a recent survey from the Cleveland Clinic, one out of 3 Gen Z men in the U.S. are turning to social media for their health information. This trend has raised concerns about the accuracy of health advice online and the potential risks of misinformation.

The survey polled 1,000 U.S. men ages 18 and older over the summer and compared the health concerns of American men from different generations. It found that while all generations agree that healthcare providers are a top source for health information and advice, use of other sources varies by age. Gen Z men are most likely of all generations to turn to social media for health information.

However, fact-checking health advice online is important, according to experts who spoke to CNBC Make It in April of this year. Dr. Seema Yasmin, author of “What The Fact?!: Finding the Truth in All the Noise,” a guide for media literacy, emphasizes the need to be cautious when consuming health information online. “So often when we see people fall for false information, they just haven’t taken even a second to do some of these basic checks,” she said.

So, how can you spot medical misinformation online? According to Yasmin and Deen Freelon, professor at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, there are several red flags to watch out for. These include posts that sound too good to be true, play at your emotions, sell cures that aren’t backed by science, or seem made up.

Another important factor to consider is the source of the information. Yasmin and Freelon suggest always identifying the source of health information that you come across online. Consider whether the source is “really the person who should be speaking on this topic,” or if they have “a long track record of distributing medically dubious information,” Freelon said.

In addition to being skeptical of the source, it’s also important to seek out trusted news sources for health information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health organizations are examples of reputable sources that you can trust. Check to see if they’re reporting similar claims to what you’ve seen online.

In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to be critical thinkers and fact-checkers when it comes to health information online. With the rise of social media, misinformation can spread quickly and have serious consequences. By being aware of the potential risks and taking steps to verify the accuracy of health information online, we can all play a role in promoting a healthier and more informed online community.