Pew: 4 in 10 U.S. Adults Use Social Media for Health Info

A new survey from the Pew Research Center reveals that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults obtain health and wellness information from social media or podcasts, with roughly half of those under 50 relying on these platforms. The study also examined profiles of 6,828 influencers with at least 100,000 followers, finding that only 4 in 10 list credentials as health professionals. About one-third identify as coaches, three in 10 as entrepreneurs, and one in 10 cite personal experiences, such as parenthood.

Among users who follow such influencers, half reported better understanding of their own health, one-third saw no significant change, and one in 10 felt more confused. The survey highlighted disparities, noting that 53 percent of uninsured individuals get health information from social media, compared to 38 percent of those with insurance. Two-thirds of users encounter this content passively rather than seeking it out.

Experts urge caution and skepticism when consuming advice on fitness, mental health, and personal wellness. A key indicator of reliability is visible credentials on an influencer's profile. "Someone has a baby and suddenly they're a pregnancy coach. We have to be careful with...