How Does Social Media Influence Health Decisions? - Report - MDSpire
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How Does Social Media Influence Health Decisions?

National survey findings suggest many US adults report making health decisions based on social media despite widespread concerns about the accuracy of health information shared to the platforms.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • June 30, 2026

  • 3 min

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Clinical Report: How Does Social Media Influence Health Decisions?

Overview

A significant portion of US adults using social media engage with health-related content, with 22% making health-related decisions based on this information despite a prevalent distrust of its accuracy. The study highlights the role of social media as a major source of health information, particularly among individuals with chronic conditions.

Background

The increasing reliance on social media for health information is evident. Many users report making health-related choices based on social media content, despite the potential for misinformation.

Data Highlights

StatisticValue
Percentage of US adults using social media88%
Percentage making health-related decisions based on social media22%
Percentage believing health information on social media is misleading78%
Percentage of respondents with chronic conditions using social media86%

Key Findings

  • 88% of US adults reported using social media in the past year.
  • 22% of social media users made health-related decisions based on information encountered online.
  • 78% of users expressed distrust in the accuracy of health-related information on social media.
  • 86% of respondents with chronic conditions used social media, but were less likely to share health information.
  • Older adults and Hispanic users were more likely to make health-related decisions based on social media content.
  • Higher educational attainment correlated with greater distrust in health information on social media.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the significant influence social media has on patient health decisions, even amidst skepticism about the information's accuracy. Strategies to improve the quality and reliability of health content on these platforms may be necessary to better inform patients.

Conclusion

The findings reveal that social media serves as a critical source of health information for many adults.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Aline F. Pedroso, JAMA, 2024 -- How Does Social Media Influence Health Decisions?
  2. Frontiers in Medicine — Perceptions of Health Misinformation on Social Media: Patterns and Predictors
  3. DIGITAL HEALTH — The pivotal role of video duration in health science popularization: A mixed-methods analysis integrating machine learning and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis
  4. Journal of General Internal Medicine — Sharing Our Patients with Influencers: Practicing Medicine in a Social World
  5. DIGITAL HEALTH — Exploring the determinants of engagement in the context of mHealth and social media among young people: A systematic literature review
  6. Perceptions of Health Misinformation on Social Media: Patterns and Predictors
  7. The pivotal role of video duration in health science popularization
  8. Sharing Our Patients with Influencers: Practicing Medicine in a Social World
  9. https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/sites/amacoedb/files/2026-01/2.3.2%20Physicians%E2%80%99%20Use%20of%20Social%20Media%20for%20Product%20Promotion%20and%20Compensation%20--%20background%20reports.pdf
  10. Social media-based interventions for improving vaccine uptake, reducing hesitancy, and combating misinformation: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of RCT | BMC Public Health | Springer Nature Link

Original Source(s)

How Does Social Media Influence Health Decisions?

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • June 30, 2026

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