Influencers on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have been found to be promoting misleading information about medical tests, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Sydney. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed nearly 1,000 posts about five controversial medical screening tests that were endorsed by social media influencers to an audience of almost 200 million followers. The researchers discovered that most of the posts lacked scientific evidence, were purely promotional, had clear financial interests, and failed to mention any potential risks associated with the tests.
The medical tests in question included full-body MRI scans, genetic testing for early signs of 50 cancers, blood tests for testosterone levels, the anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test for egg count in women, and gut microbiome tests. These tests are known to have limited evidence of benefit in healthy individuals and could potentially lead to overdiagnosis and unnecessary medical interventions.
Lead researcher Dr. Brooke Nickel from the Faculty of Medicine and Health’s School of Public Health stated that the majority of the posts were “overwhelmingly misleading” and were being promoted under the guise of early screening and taking control of one’s health. However, she emphasized that many of these tests are unnecessary for most people and lack solid scientific backing.
One concerning finding of the study was that 85% of the posts did not mention any downsides or risks associated with the tests, potentially leading to unnecessary diagnoses and treatments. For example, the AMH test, marketed as a fertility measure for women, is not considered reliable and could prompt unnecessary and costly fertility interventions.
The study also revealed that influencers often used fear-mongering tactics to promote tests like the testosterone test to men, claiming to enhance masculinity and sexual performance. However, the long-term safety of testosterone replacement therapy remains unknown, raising concerns about potential health risks.
Among the posts analyzed on Instagram and TikTok, only a small percentage mentioned the risks of overdiagnosis or overtreatment, scientific evidence, or potential harms. Additionally, a majority of influencers promoting these tests had financial interests in doing so, further complicating the issue.
The research team is currently exploring ways to regulate the spread of misleading medical information on social media platforms. Dr. Josh Zadro, a senior researcher from the University of Sydney, emphasized the need for stronger regulations to prevent the dissemination of inaccurate medical information.
In conclusion, the study highlights the urgent need to address the proliferation of misleading medical information on social media and the potential risks associated with endorsing unproven medical tests. By educating the public about the limitations and risks of these tests and implementing stricter regulations, we can work towards a more informed and responsible approach to healthcare promotion on social media platforms.
