The Influence of Social Media Misinformation: Understanding Online Trends Affecting Mental and Physical Health
In March of 2024, the Washington Post reported that women’s decisions about whether to take or continue birth control are in many cases being guided by misinformation spread on apps such as TikTok or Instagram. This birth-control misinformation primarily targets a vulnerable population – young people on the internet.
Recently, many influencers have begun to spread misinformation about birth control and hormonal contraception online. Social media influencers have recommended “natural” alternatives, such as timing sexual intercourse to menstrual cycles. Some have claimed that birth control has caused depression and anxiety, and others have claimed that it causes infertility. While hormonal therapy can have different effects for different people, these influencers are not licensed medical specialists qualified to provide medical advice or recommendations. Given the extensive reach and influence these personalities command, false or poorly contextualized information can result in poor decision-making for many viewers. While not all influencers convey false or misleading information, the point is to recognize the lack of qualifications and acknowledge that any information provided should be followed with confirmation or discussion with qualified professionals.
The recent surge in misinformation on an important and consequential health practice highlights the importance of digital literacy. The algorithms that power social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are designed to display content similar to what viewers have already watched, creating an echo chamber that may lead viewers to misestimate the prevalence of complications. The 100 most popular TikTok videos about Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) have skewed users’ understanding of the safety and efficacy of this method of birth control. Negative content about birth control and hormonal contraception – two topics that are already highly stigmatized and draw skepticism – can also draw more attention and views on social media, which creates a larger audience for influencers to sell their products and services.
Many patients have also dealt with a lack of physician transparency about some of the more serious but rare side effects of birth control, and the chronic underfunding of women’s health research has made it difficult to find high-quality information. As a result, women tend to turn to social media and seek advice from online communities where those providing advice do not have a medical background. This process can result in receiving bad or poorly contextualized information with which consumers make important health decisions.
Birth-control pills and IUDs are generally safe and effective, but like any medical treatment or intervention, they may be associated with side effects – the most common including nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and bleeding between menstrual cycles. Videos posted on social media tend to amplify the risks of side effects such as blood clots and stroke. These side effects are rare and not all forms of hormonal birth control contribute to increased risks. Given the nature of hormonal treatment, it is always advised that individuals consult with their medical provider about their medical history before making medical decisions.
Social media tends to amplify emotional and negative content, which becomes more powerful when the topic is related to substances that can potentially induce bodily harm. People who become caught up with rare but serious risks often forget that every medical intervention and substance comes with potential side effects and risks, including OTC medications like Tylenol or Advil, surgery, and even forms of therapy. Vaccine hesitancy owes much to this form of thinking. The most important question is whether the benefits outweigh the risks. If one doesn’t feel that they have the appropriate information to make this determination, they should consult with professionals who can help provide the missing information. Professional consultation is critical in making informed decisions in today’s world, especially given the amount of misinformation propagated on social media and other online platforms.
It will continue to be an ongoing battle for social media companies to combat misinformation while honoring free-speech protections.