Daily London
Experts have called for greater governance on potentially misleading medical advice shared by influencers on social media.
Whilst over 40 per cent of young adults in the USA take advice from influencers, a report in The BMJ claims people are at risk of getting incorrect or biased information on important medical issues.
For example, Kim Kardashian encouraged her 360 million followers to have a full-body screening with magnetic resonance imaging.
While scans can have a benefit for people at a high-risk of certain conditions it is also linked to overdiagnosis and unnecessary medical interventions.
The fourth overlapping biases, according to the authors, include “limited expertise, industry influence, entrepreneurial interests, and personal belief.
“Such advice can cause psychological, physical, financial, and systemic harm,” the report continued.
The report says influencers create a tight bond and relationship with their followers, with the sharing of real-life experiences helping foster a connection.
They can also help break stigmas surrounding certain medical conditions.
However, the report argues more government oversight is required to ensure influencers do not mislead their followers or promote unethical practices.
Australia already has some laws and regulations in place, banning paid health testimonials.
Some influencers believe medical experts should work more closely with them, believing they can bridge a key gap.
“I wish healthcare professionals would listen and engage more with patient communities online,” Lily Mae, whose Instagram account @chronicallylil shows her struggles with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, endometriosis, and vascular compression syndrome.
“There’s such a wealth of firsthand knowledge being shared—real stories, symptoms, and lived experiences that could help improve care if more providers took the time to understand them.”
