The rise of social media has brought with it a plethora of health misinformation that can have serious consequences, especially for children and adolescents. In a recent analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association-Pediatrics, it was found that young people are increasingly turning to online influencers for health advice, even though these sources often lack medical expertise.
Monica Wang, an associate professor of community health sciences at Boston University, emphasized the importance of integrating critical thinking and research skills into health education to combat this trend. She highlighted the role that schools play in equipping students with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their health.
One of the key areas where misinformation thrives is around topics like nutritional supplements, weight management, sexual health, immunizations, and vaping as a “healthier” alternative to smoking. Wang noted that teenagers may find these topics difficult to discuss openly, leading them to rely on online sources for information.
The consequences of this misinformation can be severe. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of young adults engage in behaviors like restricted eating and develop eating disorders by age 20, with those who get their health information online being at a higher risk. While teenagers may have a healthy skepticism about health claims they see on social media, they often lack effective strategies to evaluate the information.
To address this issue, schools are increasingly incorporating media literacy skills into their curriculum, starting as early as elementary school. The Society for Physical Education and Health Education has developed new K-12 standards that include strands focused on media literacy and analyzing health influences. These standards aim to help students critically evaluate the validity of sources and information they encounter online.
Educators are encouraged to teach students how to think critically about health claims, verify information using research tools and fact-checking sites, understand algorithmic biases, and recognize click-bait tactics. By equipping students with these skills, educators can help them navigate the complex landscape of online health information and make informed decisions about their well-being.
