Many older adults get health information from self-defined experts online
News briefs
- Reviewed by Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Up to 35% of older Americans — and half of adults under 50 — get health information and advice from social media influencers and podcasters, most of whom are not health care professionals, according to a Pew Research Center report published online May 7, 2026.
Researchers analyzed the posts of 6,828 content producers, each of whom had at least 100,000 followers on social media, and regularly posted about health and wellness or hosted a top-ranked podcast that covered these topics. The researchers also looked at responses from 10,134 American adults to two separate 2025 surveys. Participants reported how frequently they sought health and wellness information from influencers and podcasts.
While 41% of influencers described themselves as some form of health care professional, only 17% were doctors, dentists, or nurses. About 30% said they were coaches, and 28% reported being entrepreneurs. About 13% said their expertise stems from a medical condition they have had; their journey to lose weight or improve fitness; or their experience as a caregiver.
Given that the majority of influencers are not actual health care providers, it’s wise to be skeptical of their recommendations. If you seek health information from social media, beware of trying any recommended therapy, supplement, or workout before verifying the information with a doctor or another clinician such as a dietitian, physical therapist, or pharmacist.
Additionally, treat influencers’ personal stories as anecdotal, not medical advice. If there’s a product attached to their recommendation, assume they have a financial motive — which should make you extra skeptical.
Prior Pew Research Center surveys indicated that health professionals remain Americans’ most trusted source of health information. Continue to use them for diagnosis, guidance on treatment, and any situation involving medical risk.
Image: © the_burtons/Getty Images
About the Author
Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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