In the last few months alone, credible news outlets have had to debunk a range of unsubstantiated health claims—spearheaded by popular influencers and celebrities—that have led many of us to ask: is this true? The answer might not always be straightforward, but these 7 questions can help you confidently spot health misinformation.
Is that true? 7 questions to spot health misinformation.
ARTICLE
1 February 2025
3 min read
3 min read
Not sure if you’re being served accurate health information? Read on.
What is health misinformation?
Any content that claims to be factual and credible but is not, is considered misinformation. This can take many forms, from an AI-generated news site to someone on Instagram sharing 'facts’ without substantiating their claims.
Why is it spreading?
The internet is big. It’s just easier to take the information served to you first as truth, rather than something to be cross-checked and verified.
AI is scary real. AI’s ability to quickly create and distribute misleading and inaccurate content at times makes it harder to avoid and distinguish false reports from legitimate ones.
The algorithm’s rabbit holes. Unlike credible news outlets, algorithms that power your social feeds don’t abide by ethical journalistic conventions. They are built to show you more of what you ‘want’, creating a rabbit-hole effect and limiting your ability to see the full picture, particularly one containing contrary information, ideas and opinions.
We don’t question health information by nature. We generally trust information from ‘health’ sources even if it’s a wellness influencer or brand when they appear credible, confirm our existing beliefs or provides us with information we want to believe.1 In fact, studies show2 that once we adopt a belief, we typically reject conflicting information in favour of confirmatory information.
Social media is poorly regulated. An influencer may have a nice blue verification tick, but this doesn’t mean their content is vetted. While social media sites have started to monitor content more regularly, we still have a long way to go.
How to spot health misinformation?
Doing your own detective work will give you the confidence to identify misleading information. Here are 7 questions to ask yourself:
- Is the account credible? Checking a profile’s logo, website and followers can help you quickly spot a fake account, especially who follows the page, as bot accounts will be followed by (surprise) other bot accounts.
- Are they promoting a ‘wonder treatment’ or cure? If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
- Is there a credible source? Is the health information supported by an expert in the field, a professional body (e.g. Ovarian Cancer Australia) or a similar credible organisation like a non-profit or research body? If not, check the information against a reputable, public resource.
- Is the health information delivered by a credible, unbiased expert in the field? People often give themselves the title of expert, while a quick check of their credentials can help to distinguish the trained from the opportunists. For example, the famous ‘Dr Phil’ hasn’t practised psychology in over a decade, and his license expired in 2006, so is he honestly the best professional to be speaking to current mental health issues?
- Does the ‘expert’ have a conflict of interest? Does the expert have anything to gain from the treatment or advice they are sharing? For example, are they promoting their own product or are they sponsored by a brand?
- How strong is the evidence to support the claim? Not all research studies are created equal. It’s always a good idea to check that the research being referred to comes from a peer-reviewed journal or from a trusted researcher such as a university.
What to do if you spot health misinformation
- Report the post and/or account
- Educate yourself and those around you with accurate information
- Follow credible news sources and journalists
- Always ask a doctor or healthcare professional for medical and health advice
Misinformation can be a minefield to navigate and it’s not slowing down any time soon. The good news is there are ways to help you spot evidence-based information from heresay. And if you’re ever unsure, just ask your doctor or a healthcare professional.
Footnotes
Staff Writer
Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.
Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2025 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.
Copyright © 2025 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.
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