Health: getting information via social networks increases risky medical behavior, according to a study

in collaboration with

Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)

A survey carried out by the Descartes Foundation, among 4,000 French people and revealed yesterday with the magazine The Express, wanted to take stock of the way in which the French find out about medical news. And not surprisingly, finding information on social networks in particular would increase risky medical behavior, while reducing knowledge about health.

Social networks, where esoteric and alternative theories explode

According to this study, French people who obtain information “often” to “very often” on health topics via YouTube are 2.9 times more likely than others (29% versus 10%) to have already given up on medical treatment. in favor of an alternative therapy for example.

Likewise, those who use TikTok for information are 2.7 times more likely than others (51% versus 19%) to have already refused a vaccine recommended for themselves and/or their children (excluding Covid- 19).

Respondents using Telegram messaging groups to find out about health issues are twice as likely as others (26% versus 13%) to have refused the Covid-19 vaccine.

The doctor remains the first source of information

However, while the field of health is more than ever at the heart of the concerns of the French (42.5% say they are “very” to “extremely” interested in health information), it is still reassuring to note that the vast majority of citizens continue to favor traditional channels for information

• Their doctor for 40.2%;
• Relatives for 31.3%;
• National or regional general media for 27.8%.

The share of social networks ultimately remains low, but the survey notes that their consultation for health reasons continues to grow. Facebook comes first, ahead of YouTube and Instagram.

“Be careful, virality does not mean truth”

How to find reliable health information? Here is the whole question that animates us at Doctissimo today, because a lot of misleading or unverified but attractive information is circulating on the networks. “We also know that fake health news is often the most shared information.” mentions Dr. Gérald Kierzek, our medical director.

To avoid getting caught up in invented or unreliable information, our expert recommends distancing yourself by asking the right questions. :

Because Doctissimo processes information in an area as sensitive as health and well-being, several stages of content validation are put in place. Our content is signed, dated and the sources identified. The editorial team, made up of health journalists, can rely on a committee of experts made up of health professionals in most medical specialties and coordinated by our medical director.

Doctissimo videos labeled Youtube Health

Having your own judgment when browsing networks is not easy, especially when algorithms naturally offer the same types of content as those already viewed, locking us in a closed loop. “It’s about distancing yourself, looking at the source and not taking what is said at face value, especially when there is a request for money for information or a miracle promise.” recommends our expert.