Social Media and Health Information: How Online Platforms Are Changing the Way Americans Make Health Choices

A new national study explores how US adults use social media for health information, including sharing health content, joining online communities, making health decisions, and concerns about misinformation.

Social media has become one of the most common places where people search for answers about their health. From wellness tips and nutrition advice to chronic disease support groups and medical discussions, online platforms now play a major role in how individuals learn about health topics.

A recent national study published in JAMA examined how adults in the United States interact with health information on social media. The research explored how often people share health content, participate in online health communities, make health decisions based on social media information, and question the accuracy of what they see online.

The findings reveal an important contradiction. Millions of Americans rely on social media for health information, but many also believe that much of the health content they encounter may be inaccurate or misleading.

Social Media Has Become a Major Health Information Source

Traditional healthcare information usually comes from doctors, hospitals, medical websites, and educational materials. However, social media has created a new health information environment where people can instantly access personal experiences, expert opinions, community discussions, and health-related trends.

The study analyzed data from the 2024 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), a nationally representative survey of US adults. Researchers examined responses from 7,278 participants, representing approximately 262 million adults across the country.

The research found that 87.8% of US adults reported using social media platforms. This represents about 228 million people.

Among social media users, health-related engagement was extremely common:

• 84.8% shared personal or general health information online.
• 70.2% participated in online communities related to health.
• 21.6% reported making health decisions based on information found on social media.
• 77.7% said they believed health information seen on social media was false or misleading.

These results show that social media influences health conversations even when users are uncertain about the reliability of the information they encounter.

Why People Turn to Social Media for Health Advice

There are several reasons why social media has become a popular health information source.

First, social platforms provide immediate access to information. People can search symptoms, learn about treatments, follow healthcare professionals, and connect with others experiencing similar health challenges within seconds.

Second, social media creates opportunities for community support. Individuals managing chronic conditions often look for emotional support, personal stories, and practical advice from people who share similar experiences.

Online communities can help reduce feelings of isolation. For example, someone living with a long-term illness may find encouragement from others discussing daily challenges, treatment experiences, and lifestyle changes.

However, personal experiences shared online are not always equal to professional medical advice. A treatment that works for one person may not be appropriate for another.

Health Decisions Are Being Influenced by Online Content

One of the most significant findings from the study was that more than one in five social media users reported making health decisions based on information found online.

This suggests that social media does more than simply provide information. It may affect real-world behaviors, including decisions about treatments, medications, lifestyle changes, and when to seek medical care.

The influence of social media can be positive when users encounter accurate information from qualified healthcare professionals or trusted organizations. Educational content can encourage preventive care, healthy habits, and better communication with medical providers.

The risk arises when inaccurate claims spread widely. Health misinformation can involve false treatment recommendations, exaggerated health risks, unsupported medical claims, or misleading explanations of scientific research.

Because social media platforms often prioritize engagement, posts that generate strong emotional reactions may receive more visibility than carefully reviewed medical information.

People With Chronic Conditions Also Use Social Media for Health Support

The study also examined adults living with chronic health conditions, including cardiometabolic diseases, respiratory conditions, mental health conditions, and cancer.

Among adults with chronic conditions, 85.5% used social media. However, compared with people without chronic conditions, they were less likely to share health information or participate in online health communities.

Despite these differences, chronic disease status did not significantly change whether people used social media to make health decisions.

This suggests that social media health influence extends beyond individuals actively managing medical conditions. People across different health backgrounds may use online information when thinking about their health.

Differences Among Age Groups and Communities

The study identified differences in social media use and health-related engagement across demographic groups.

Younger adults were more likely to use social media overall, while older adults had lower rates of social media participation. However, among older adults who did use social media, they were more likely to report making health decisions based on online information.

Researchers also found differences related to race, ethnicity, education, and income.

Higher education and higher household income were associated with greater distrust of health information found on social media. Meanwhile, Black and Hispanic participants were less likely than White participants to report distrust of online health information.

These findings highlight the importance of creating health communication strategies that consider different communities, experiences, and levels of access to trusted medical resources.

The Growing Challenge of Health Misinformation

Although social media provides valuable opportunities for health education, misinformation remains a major concern.

Nearly 80% of social media users in the study believed that some health information they encountered online was inaccurate. This concern is becoming increasingly important as artificial intelligence-generated content becomes more common across digital platforms.

AI tools can help create useful educational materials, but they can also contribute to the rapid spread of incorrect health claims if information is not properly reviewed.

Improving digital health literacy is one possible solution. People need tools to evaluate online health information, identify trustworthy sources, and understand when professional medical advice is necessary.

Healthcare organizations and professionals also have an important role in providing accessible, evidence-based information where people are already searching.

What This Means for the Future of Online Health Information

The relationship between social media and healthcare is likely to continue growing. Digital platforms are now a permanent part of the health information landscape.

The challenge is not simply encouraging people to avoid social media for health questions. Instead, the focus should be on improving the quality of information available and helping users make informed decisions.

Social media can connect people, provide education, and support healthier choices. At the same time, users should approach online health information carefully and consider discussing major health decisions with qualified healthcare professionals.

As digital health continues to evolve, improving accuracy, transparency, and trust will be essential.

Source

Pedroso AF, Dhingra LS, Khan M, et al. “Use of Social Media for Health Information Among US Adults.” JAMA. Published online June 30, 2026. doi:10.1001/jama.2026.8682.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health, medications, or medical care. Social media content should be evaluated carefully and should not be considered a substitute for evidence-based medical guidance.