Social media is increasingly being used to access health care information, but little is known about the clinical accuracy or potential harm of content related to respiratory disease. Your need to understand that the so-called algorithmic nature of social media results in a search generated on the basis of a user’s previous searches, internet habits and sponsored content. Furthermore, any person, regardless of qualifications, can post on social media giving rise to the possibility that an anecdote is perceived as evidence when it is really misinformation.
A study reviewed asthma-related management advice on TikTok and examined its potential for harm. Of the top 100 posts, only 33% were created by health care professionals, and only 29% had advice in accordance with the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines. Moreover, 25% of the information reviewed was considered “harmful”.
What is the bottom line of this study? It should be obvious, don’t get your advice from Dr. TikTok. What is especially disturbing about this study is that the age group most often searching for this information was the 20-30 year olds. One of the most common types of advice I give patients is that I have no problem with them searching the internet for information. However, for most patients without a medical background the content of their search is information without commentary. The physician is the commentary. So, satisfy you need for information but do not make any decisions without talking to your doctor.
