By admin 
In the digital age, where a simple click gives us access to thousands of tips on wellness, treatments, and diseases, we also face a growing risk: medical misinformation . Especially on social media, where myths and fake news spread quickly, it can be difficult to distinguish between reliable content and erroneous claims. So how do you know if a health source is trustworthy?
A recent Healthline study revealed that more than 50% of adults in the United States turn to social media for health information, although many admit they don’t fully trust what they find. In the United Kingdom, a report from the Alan Turing Institute showed that 94% of respondents had seen false health information on digital platforms.
Why do we fall for medical misinformation?
Dawn Holford, a PhD psychologist and researcher at the University of Bristol, points out that one of the key factors is what are known as attitude roots : deep-seated beliefs and emotions that influence how we process information. If a fake news story aligns with our fears or beliefs—such as fear of vaccine side effects or aversion to conventional medicine—we are more likely to accept it as true.
Furthermore, we tend to confirm what we already believe ( confirmation bias ), even if the evidence is weak or incorrect. This pattern can make misleading information seem more credible, especially if it reinforces our preconceived ideas.
Who is most vulnerable?
It’s not about a unique profile, but rather how information connects to our personal beliefs. Holford explains that people with open and active thinking are less susceptible, as they are willing to consider different perspectives and evaluate evidence.
On the other hand, previous negative experiences with the healthcare system—such as discrimination or lack of access—can foster distrust and make certain false narratives easier to accept, even if they come from unreliable sources.
Strategies to combat disinformation: “information jiu-jitsu”
Inspired by martial arts, Holford and his team propose a strategy that doesn’t seek to confront disinformation head-on, but rather uses its own tactics to neutralize it. This technique includes:
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Psychological inoculation : Similar to a vaccine, it exposes people to small doses of misinformation with clear explanations of how it manipulates reality (e.g., by exaggerating data or using fake “experts”). This makes the reader more resistant to future deception.
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Empathic Refutation : Instead of ridiculing the other person’s beliefs, start with respect and offer evidence-based information aligned with their values to generate openness to dialogue.
How to verify if a health information source is reliable
Knowing how to evaluate a source is essential to protecting your well-being. Holford recommends a technique called lateral reading , which involves leaving the site where you found the information and searching other reliable sources to see if that claim is supported.
Here are some key steps to verify health sources:
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Research the author or institution : Do they have medical credentials or experience in the subject? Do they belong to a recognized organization?
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Look for multiple sources : If only one site claims something and there is no consensus on other reliable pages, be suspicious.
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Avoid falling for what you “want to hear” : If a news story confirms exactly what you think, double-check. It could be misinformation designed to please you.
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Prioritize official agency sites : Although some people distrust governments, health ministries or public institutions often have the support of multidisciplinary experts and fact-checking policies.
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Consult a health professional : If you have any questions, your trusted doctor or a community health representative can guide you.
Where to find accurate medical information on the internet
In addition to local public health institutions, international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) share verified, accessible, and up-to-date content. In the United Kingdom, for example, platforms such as Patient Info offer peer-reviewed resources written in understandable language.
You can also look for specialized health media outlets with a good editorial reputation, such as Medical News Today or Healthline, which have rigorous editorial processes.
Conclusion
Knowing how to tell if a health information source is reliable has become an essential skill for navigating the digital world. It’s not just about avoiding scams, but also about protecting our health, well-being, and medical decisions. With critical thinking, cross-checking, and support from professionals, we can build a safer and more informed environment for everyone.