Social media can be a great way to find health information. But there are risks when using and sharing content. Use these top tips to find and share trusted content.
- Look beyond likes – Look beyond big numbers. Do not trust posts just because a social media channel has lots of likes or followers.
- Fact checks – Check how the social media channel deals with fake or misleading information. Does it flag suspicious content?
- Look for trust marks – See if content has the PIF TICK or is on the YouTube Health Shelf.
- Look for trusted channels – Use channels from trusted sources like the NHS and health charities.
- Who shared this? – Think about who sent you the link. Just because a friend has shared something does not mean it is true. Are they biased?
1 in 10 adults in the UK have been affected by misinformation.
This increases to 2 in 10 for ethnic minorities1.
Think before you share
- Why am I sharing this?
- How do I know it is true?
- Where did it come from?
- Is it trying to sell me something?
- How does this make you feel?
8 in 10 ‘cancer cures’ on TikTok are fake2.
For more advice check out our False Health Information and Finding Trusted Health Information posters.
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