Misinformation is rampant on social media, ranging from simple conspiracy theories to well-intentioned, though false, information. The largest example of misinformation in recent years pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic, where misinformation about the virus, masks, and even the COVID-19 vaccine circulated. Some studies even linked the prevalence of misinformation to an increased hesitancy towards the vaccine, and even lower vaccination rates, in certain parts of the country. Misinformation, therefore, can significantly impact the choices people make about their health, raising questions about what other kinds of misinformation may be circulating and how its impacting the health choices people make.
A team of researchers at the University of Arizona College Medicine recently completed an analysis of health information circulating on the social media platform TikTok to determine the accuracy of information being posted about liver disease. The results showed a great deal of misinformation being circulated. Study results were presented this week at Digestive Disease Week, which is being held in Chicago and virtually.
Researchers collected and analyzed over 2,000 TikTok posts published between October and November 2022 that contained the phrase “cirrhosis” or liver disease in them. Researchers then compared the information presented in each post to information and guidelines published by the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterology Association, and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, which offer guidance on treating and managing liver diseases. In all, researchers found that about 40% of the posts included in the sample contained inaccurate or misleading information. For example, one of the most common inaccuracies found related to the role of certain herbal products that could be used to undo liver disease. Posts with more misinformation received less overall engagement from people on the social media platform.
Liver disease is an increasingly common condition, with nearly 85 million people in the U.S having liver disease but likely do not know they have it. Current care guidelines focus on lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol intake. Liver disease also has a high mortality rate, underscoring the dire consequences such misinformation can have for people looking for care solutions.
Sources: EurekAlert!; DDW; Scientific Reports
