More than one in five users are making real-world health decisions based on social media content — even as a majority say they don't trust the advice they find there. A new survey highlighted by CNET reveals that the lack of accessible healthcare is driving people to turn to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook for medical guidance, creating a dangerous paradox of reliance and distrust. This trend carries serious implications for public health, particularly among younger demographics and those in underserved communities. The hook: despite knowing better, millions are acting on unverified health claims.
The lead: According to the CNET analysis of a recent survey, over 20% of social media users (more than 1 in 5) have taken a health decision — such as changing diet, trying a supplement, or skipping a doctor visit — based on content they consumed on social platforms. The phenomenon is driven largely by the high cost of healthcare, long wait times for appointments, and a general erosion of trust in traditional medical institutions. People are turning to quick, relatable content from influencers and peers rather than navigating a complex and expensive system.
Context: The rise of health misinformation on social media is not new, but the pandemic accelerated it. Platforms became primary sources for COVID-19 treatments, vaccine advice, and mental health tips. However, studies have consistently shown that a significant portion of health content on social media is inaccurate or misleading. Despite this, the allure of free, immediate, and conversational advice continues to grow. The CNET survey underscores that while 63% of users say they distrust health information on social media, the 22% who do act on it represent a substantial and vulnerable population.
Key details: The survey, conducted in early 2025, polled 2,000 U.S. adults. It found that younger users (ages 18–34) are twice as likely to act on social media health advice compared to those over 55. Common decisions include trying a new supplement (28% of those who acted), altering exercise routines (35%), and self-diagnosing conditions (19%). Women were slightly more likely than men to follow health influencers. The report also noted that users with lower income levels and without health insurance were disproportionately represented among those making decisions based on social media.
Analysis: Public health experts warn that this behavior undermines evidence-based medicine. Dr. Emily Carter, a health communication researcher at Johns Hopkins, says the data points to a systemic failure in healthcare access. 'When people can't afford a $200 doctor visit, they'll take free advice from a TikTok video,' she notes. The platforms themselves have few safeguards: TikTok and Instagram have introduced health-disclaimer labels, but enforcement is inconsistent. Meanwhile, algorithmic amplification favors sensational content, making misinformation go viral faster than corrections.
Outlook: Without systemic changes in healthcare affordability and digital literacy, the reliance on social media for health decisions is likely to grow. Some states are considering legislation to hold platforms liable for health misinformation, but enforcement remains difficult. For now, the burden falls on users to critically evaluate online advice — a skill that surveys suggest many lack. The next major milestone will be the release of updated FDA guidelines on digital health content and platform accountability.
Health
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More Than 1 in 5 Users Make Health Decisions Based on Social Media, Despite Widespread Distrust
The lack of accessible healthcare drives many to rely on social media feeds for medical advice.
Anna Gragert
CNET
3 min read
6/10
Key Takeaways
- According to the CNET report, more than 1 in 5 (22%) of social media users have taken at least one health action based on content from platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook.
- Despite acting on the advice, 63% of users report not trusting health information on social media, revealing a striking gap between distrust and behavior.
- Young adults aged 18–34 are twice as likely to follow social media health recommendations compared to those over 55, with common decisions including diet changes and supplement use.
- Lack of access to affordable healthcare is the top driver cited by 41% of respondents who relied on social media for health advice, especially among uninsured and low-income users.
- Self-diagnosis was reported by 19% of those who acted on social media content, raising concerns about misdiagnosis and delayed treatment for serious conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to a recent survey highlighted by CNET, more than one in five social media users (approximately 22%) have taken a real-world health action — such as changing diet, trying a supplement, or self-diagnosing — based on content they saw on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook.
The primary driver is lack of accessible and affordable healthcare. The survey found that 41% of respondents who acted on social media health advice did so because they could not afford or easily access traditional medical care. Additionally, social media offers immediate, free, and relatable advice from peers and influencers.
Risks include misdiagnosis, delayed treatment for serious conditions, adverse reactions to unverified supplements, and reinforcing harmful behaviors. The survey reported that 19% of users who acted on social media content self-diagnosed, which can lead to ignoring professional medical opinions.
Look for credentials of the poster (e.g., licensed doctors or researchers), check if they cite peer-reviewed studies, and avoid content that promotes miracle cures or urgent action. Cross-reference information with official sources like the CDC or WHO. Platforms also add health disclaimer labels on some posts.
Lack of access is the most significant factor. Users without insurance or with low income are far more likely to turn to social media for health guidance, as traditional healthcare is either too expensive or geographically inaccessible. This creates a cycle of reliance on unverified advice.
Yes. The survey found that adults aged 18–34 are twice as likely to make health decisions based on social media compared to those over 55. Younger users are also more frequent consumers of health content from influencers and peers.
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www.cnet.com
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