Source: Fortune
Summary
A recent Pew Research survey found that half of U.S. adults under 50 turn to social media influencers and podcasts for health advice, rather than seeking out the content intentionally. Many of these influencers are not healthcare professionals, but rather individuals who share their personal experiences and advice. Women, particularly mothers, are more likely to signal expertise by sharing their life experiences. Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans, as well as those without health insurance, are more likely to get health advice from influencers. This trend reflects a decline in trust in medical expertise, with trust in doctors’ ethics dropping 14 percentage points since 2021.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Health influencers on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are becoming the go-to source for health advice for many Americans. Doctors like Dr. Alok Patel are concerned about the trend, urging the medical establishment to “do a better job of reaching our patients where they are.” Meanwhile, the Pew survey found that women, particularly mothers, are more likely to signal expertise by sharing their life experiences. The trend reflects a decline in trust in medical expertise, with trust in doctors’ ethics dropping 14 percentage points since 2021. “Health advice is now a personal brand play.”
Author: Evan Null
