The critical role of fact-checking is to combat science denialism and ensure online health advice is accurate, given its life-and-death impact.

“While social media influencers have the choice to share personal experiences and open up conversations about medical conditions, they must act more responsibly.”

We have become more adept at understanding how health misinformation spreads today. COVID-19 was, perhaps, the first time when most people witnessed – in real time – how complex and time-consuming medical research can be. However, because we did not have the power or the requisite information to fight the virus, most of us were quick to fall for any kind of information that was put before us, without first verifying it. Soon, both the medical and media industries became acutely aware of the cost and gravity of leaving the information vacuum open for unreliable sources to fill. 

One of the biggest challenges that we face as health fact-checkers is science denialism. We often deal with the rejection of scientific evidence on important issues, such as vaccines, based on conspiracy theories and opinions of fake experts. People are unwilling to trust research-based evidence because of numerous reasons. There’s lack of trust in the medical fraternity; sometimes, it’s just the convenience and cost-effectiveness of opting for home remedies.

Social media influencers pose another key challenge in our fight against health misinformation. While influencers have the choice to share personal experiences and open up conversations about medical conditions, they must act more responsibly. With great power comes great responsibility. It’s important to recognise the power they hold over a largely uninformed audience, particularly when it comes to health decisions that can be a matter of life and death. 

Fact-checking is essential. It’s important to note that not all health advice is equal. Cookie-cutter health solutions, without professional diagnosis from qualified healthcare practitioners, are a recipe for disaster.

This is an excerpt from First Check's Coffee Table Book, you can read the full Coffee Table Book here.

Pratibha is a Fact-Checker at First Check.