Experts Warn About Dangers of Health Trends on Social Media
Health trends and medical misinformation on social media are leading many people to adopt potentially dangerous practices, according to Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. She has issued a warning about the rise of fads promoted by influential people with some type of healthcare experience, such as in the fields of medicine, biology, or nutrition.
The specialist recommends approaching with skepticism the scientific legitimacy of health trends and online medical information. Many of these trends are driven by individuals who take advantage of the credibility that a professional normally generates in these areas to make something dubious seem logical. They often use buzzwords and refer to medical studies to convince people of their credibility.
Dr. Pasricha advises caution and critical analysis of information before adopting practices or products promoted online, especially since it can be very difficult to determine whether these claims are legitimate. She also encourages questioning whether promotional data seems too good to be true and recommends confirming that the main medical institutions support the studies proposed in these contents.
In response to the proliferation of medical misinformation, YouTube has announced significant changes to its policies, aiming to address the spread of medical misinformation on the platform. The company has introduced three categories to simplify the elimination of false medical information, including misinformation about prevention, treatment, and denial of specific medical conditions.
In particular, YouTube will be cracking down on false information about cancer, removing content that suggests miracle cures or ineffective alternatives. This initiative aims to discourage practices that could divert patients from seeking specialized medical care.
The message is clear: users must be extremely skeptical of health trends and medical information on social media, and it is essential to verify the veracity of the statements found before trying new habits or consuming products that are highly popular on digital platforms. By being cautious and seeking information from reliable sources, individuals can protect their health and well-being from potentially harmful trends and misinformation.