In today’s fast-paced information era, health advice is almost at our fingertips, but at the same time, inaccurate information is also spreading rapidly. How can we distinguish credible health information from unreliable sources and avoid being influenced by misleading health advice? This article will help you understand how to identify the authenticity of health information and provide practical strategies to protect yourself from health rumors.
The Speed of Information Spread and Health Misleading
With the popularity of social media and news dissemination, the flow of information has become faster than ever, making it easy for us to access health advice. However, as reported by Medical News Today , many times, we are also exposed to inaccurate health information, especially from unverified online platforms.
According to a 2024 consumer survey published by Healthline, more than half of Americans get health information from social media, while 32% rely on advice from family, friends, and colleagues. However, despite social media being a major source of health information for many, many respondents said they do not fully trust the information provided by these platforms.
In the UK, a survey conducted by the Alan Turing Institute showed that 94% of the public has witnessed health misinformation spreading on social media.
Why Are We Prone to Believe Health Misinformation?
Medical News Today interviewed Dr. Dawn Holford, a researcher in psychology at the University of Bristol, who explained why we are prone to believe health misinformation. Dr. Holford pointed out a psychological concept called “attitude roots,” which refers to the beliefs and views we have formed over time that influence our understanding of the world.
For example, emotions such as anxiety and fear can affect how we process health information. Dr. Holford mentioned that many misleading health advices happen to match our emotional needs, for example, people who are afraid of vaccine side effects may be more likely to believe in misinformation about vaccines.
People tend to search for or interpret information based on their existing beliefs and emotions, which is why we are more likely to accept health advice that aligns with our worldviews. Confirmation bias is the psychological explanation for this phenomenon, which means we tend to seek out information that supports our pre-existing beliefs and ignore contradictory information.
Who Is Most Likely to Be Affected by Health Misinformation?
So, which groups are most susceptible to health misinformation? Dr. Holford explained that studies have found that people with certain psychological traits are more likely to accept false health information. For example, people with “actively open-minded thinking” are less likely to be misled. Actively open-minded thinking refers to the ability to consider different viewpoints and evidence.
Dr. Holford also mentioned that the audience for health misinformation often judges the credibility of information based on whether it aligns with their ideology. Misleading information often caters to the beliefs and needs of certain groups, so understanding the psychological characteristics of the target audience is key to tackling health misinformation.
Why Do People Distrust Official Health Information?
Although official health organizations (such as the World Health Organization ) generally provide reliable information, some groups still harbor distrust toward these sources. Dr. Holford explained that certain negative health experiences, such as medical racism, gender bias, or delays in medical services, may deepen people’s suspicion toward official health information, thus increasing their likelihood of accepting false information.
How to Identify Accurate Health Information?
Given the vast amount of health information available online, how can we tell which is reliable and which is misleading? Dr. Holford offered several practical suggestions:
- Verify the Source of Information First, check whether the source of the health information is reliable. Information from reputable medical institutions, government health websites (like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ), and medical experts is usually trustworthy.
- Cross-check Information Use lateral reading to verify health information. This means that if you see health advice on a website, check whether other independent sources provide the same or similar conclusions. Especially when the information aligns perfectly with our expectations, we are more likely to be misled.
- Know the Experts Behind the Information Reliable health information is usually provided by medical professionals or certified research institutions. Make sure the source is a qualified expert.
- Be Wary of Emotional Manipulation Many health rumors attract attention by triggering emotions such as anxiety or fear. We should be cautious of information that lacks solid evidence and is heavily emotionally charged.
- Check the Timeliness of the Information Health advice changes with new research findings and medical advancements. Therefore, make sure the information you receive is up to date and avoid relying on outdated advice.
- Consult Professional Healthcare Providers When in doubt about the reliability of health information, the best choice is to consult trustworthy doctors or healthcare providers. Professional healthcare workers can help confirm the authenticity of the information.
How to Protect Yourself from Health Misleading?
To protect yourself from health misinformation, Dr. Holford mentioned a method called “jiu-jitsu interventions,” borrowing from the principles of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. This method uses the characteristics of misinformation itself to counterattack. Through this approach, the public can be taught to recognize and guard against health rumors.
Psychological Immunization
The concept of psychological immunization is similar to vaccination. By educating people about the common tricks of misinformation, their ability to identify misleading information is strengthened, enhancing their defense against false health advice.
Empathy-Based Refutation
Empathy-based refutation involves understanding the audience’s belief system and correcting misinformation in a more empathetic way. By resonating with the audience’s worldview, the effectiveness of counteracting misinformation can be increased.
Best Sources for Health Information
Regarding information credibility, Dr. Holford recommends that global organizations and non-governmental organizations (such as the World Health Organization ) typically provide reliable health information. Additionally, advice from medical professionals and public health experts is also trustworthy.
Conclusion
As health information spreads more rapidly, it is essential for each of us to develop the ability to judge the reliability of the information we encounter. By cross-checking information sources and consulting medical professionals, we can effectively avoid being misled and protect our health and the health of our loved ones.
