What doctors want you to know about health information on social media

Social media has become a primary destination for health advice, but experts warn that a significant amount of this information is inaccurate and potentially dangerous for young people.

Scott E. Hadland, MD, MPH, MS, chief of the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Mass General Brigham for Children and associate professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, reports that roughly one in five teens regularly rely on social media for health information. TikTok is currently leading the way in this trend.

The issue is compounded by platform algorithms that reward engagement and emotion rather than accuracy. According to Dr. Hadland, these systems do not distinguish between content that is helpful and content that is harmful.

Identifying Unreliable Health Sources

There are specific patterns that often signal unreliable health content. One major red flag is the use of unregulated titles. Terms such as “wellness coach,” “gut health specialist,” and “hormone expert” are not regulated, meaning anyone can claim these titles.

In contrast, legitimate clinicians typically list recognized licenses, such as MD, DO, NP, RN, or RD. Dr. Hadland also warns against personal stories presented as scientific proof, noting that one person’s experience is not a study and does not prove a treatment is safe or effective for a teenager.

Other warning signs include content designed to provoke outrage or fear, hidden sponsorships through #ad tags or affiliate links, and promises of “quick-fix” solutions for complex issues like weight, anxiety, or acne.

Did You Know? Roughly one in five teenagers regularly turn to social media for health information, with TikTok being the leading platform for this behavior.

A Framework for Evaluating Online Advice

To help teens navigate this environment, Dr. Hadland suggests a three-step evaluation process. First, teens should ask who the person is and what their actual qualifications are.

Second, they should examine the source to determine if the information is based on a clinical guideline or study, or if it is simply a personal opinion.

Finally, teens should consider who profits if the advice is believed, as supplements, apps, and coaching programmes are often the actual products being sold.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the shift toward unregulated “experts” represents a significant risk to public health. When emotion-driven algorithms override clinical accuracy, the burden of verification shifts entirely to the consumer, leaving vulnerable adolescents susceptible to predatory marketing disguised as medical advice.

The Growing Risk of AI and Misinformation

The landscape may become more challenging with the rise of AI-generated health content. Dr. Hadland warns that AI influencers could make these problems worse.

He notes that the purpose behind these AI influencers is often to generate money for the creators or, in some instances, may be intentionally malicious.

Strategies for Parents

While it may be tempting to ban social media, Dr. Hadland suggests this approach can backfire. Banning can push teens to consume content in secret and eliminate the opportunity for parents to be part of the conversation.

Dr. Scott Hadland talks about the dangers of counterfeit pills (Harlan Cohen Podcast Clip)

Instead, he recommends that parents scroll through feeds with their children. By asking what the teen thinks of a video before reacting, parents can foster a curious environment that highlights how certain content may be misleading.

Parents should also encourage their children to bring questions about their bodies, sleep, eating, and anxiety to a pediatrician without fear of judgment.

Real-World Consequences

The impact of online misinformation is often visible in clinical settings. Dr. Hadland reports seeing an increasing number of young patients with eating disorders and body image concerns tied directly to online content.

Some patients have encountered advice on dangerous supplements or weight loss methods that made them feel uncomfortable with their own bodies. However, when young people bring these concerns to a doctor, it creates an opportunity for an informed, honest conversation based on trusted guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many teenagers use social media for health information?
Roughly one in five teens regularly turn to social media for health information, with TikTok being the primary platform.

What are the red flags of unreliable health content?
Red flags include unregulated titles (like “wellness coach”), the use of personal stories as proof instead of studies, promises of quick fixes for complex conditions, and hidden sponsorships or #ad tags.

Why is banning social media not the recommended solution for parents?
Banning may cause teens to consume content more secretly and can cut parents out of the conversation entirely.

How do you verify the health information you encounter on your social media feeds?