Social media influencers are now shaping health decisions in ways that can lead to unsafe self-diagnosis, unnecessary tests, and heavy spending, a new analysis in The British Medical Journal has found.

The paper says many influencers share medical advice without training, while platforms rarely require them to disclose financial interests or explain risks. As per the analysis titled 'Health information in age of social media and influence,' more than 70 per cent of young adults in the US follow influencers, and over 40 per cent have bought health products promoted by them.

Researchers identify four key sources of bias in influencer health content. This includes lack of medical expertise, industry influence, entrepreneurial interests, and personal beliefs. These biases often guide pos

See Full Page