Social media algorithms warp our health choices, says investigative journalist

Social media has fundamentally changed how people engage with healthcare, offering platforms for sharing experiences, finding support groups, and learning about symptoms and conditions. However, this digital shift brings significant challenges, as highlighted by investigative journalist Dr. Deborah Cohen in her book "Bad Influence: How the Internet Hijacked Our Health." In an interview with editor Hannah Osborne, Dr. Cohen discussed the tension between the certainty and quick fixes offered by social media and the complex, often uncertain solutions provided by formal health systems like the U.K.'s National Health Service (NHS). She questioned whether public expectations about what health and science can deliver are realistic, and what role doctors should play in an increasingly tech-driven landscape.

One of the core issues Dr. Cohen identified is the passive consumption of health information on social media, where algorithms feed users content they did not actively seek. She argued that the algorithm is potentially one of the most harmful aspects of social media, as it can amplify misinformation and create echo chambers. She advised users to question the motives of people sharing health advice online, noting that while many genuinely aim to help, others may have hidden agendas. The book also explores the gap between doctors and patients, asking whether social media is widening this divide or filling a void. Dr. Cohen suggested that if people are used to getting support on platforms like TikTok, health services need to consider how to deliver information in ways that meet people's needs.

Looking to the future, Dr. Cohen acknowledged the potential benefits of large language models (LLMs) in healthcare, but also warned about their limitations, such as hallucinations. She noted that people might hear about a health topic on social media and then use LLMs to explore it further, potentially using that information to guide treatment or diagnosis. This raises concerns about the reliability of AI-generated health advice and the need for clear guidance on where information comes from. The book, published recently, aims to help readers navigate the complex digital health landscape and make informed decisions.

The interview underscores the urgent need for a broader conversation about the role of technology in healthcare, the responsibilities of tech companies, and how to ensure that patients receive accurate, trustworthy information. Dr. Cohen's insights are particularly relevant as social media and AI continue to shape public understanding of health and science.