The Daily Dose Instagram Isn’t a Doctor! (Where to Get Reliable Health Info.)
If you spend any time scrolling, you probably already know this: health information is everywhere.
It’s in your group chats, and on TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram – you’re bombarded by “experts” telling you what you should or shouldn’t eat, or buy, among other things.
And if we’re being honest, we understand some people are looking beyond traditional doctors. Recent research shows that 38 percent of people ages 18–34 have ignored medical advice from a provider in favor of something they saw on social media, up from 26 percent the year before. And 45 percent say they rely on friends and family over clinicians for medical guidance.
But here’s the thing: You still want reliable information; you’re just trying to get it in a health system that feels confusing.
That’s where we come in – and we’re here to help. Let’s break it down:
1. Start with a trusted health-care provider (yes, still)
Of course, your expertly curated algorithm feels more relatable, but providers really do remain the most trusted source of medical advice.
- Clinicians have expert training
- They look at you holistically – your medical history, symptoms, medications, and lifestyle
- They can debunk misinformation – and fast
- A primary care provider gives you a “medical home” – or a clinician/office that knows all about you
If calling a doctor feels intimidating, we get that, too. However, many offices, including CDPHP-participating practices, offer:
- Secure messaging
- Telehealth
- Nurse lines
- Quick appointment scheduling
Pro tip: If you see something online that you want to know more about, screenshot it and ask your provider. No, really – they’ve seen it all!
2. Be skeptical of creators and their “lived experience” stories
Raise your hand if you’ve been there: a creator posts a medical horror story and suddenly you’re convinced you have the same thing. These stories can be great for awareness, but they are not medical advice. Everybody is different and health advice isn’t “one size fits all.” A doctor can understand your entire health situation, where an influencer is simply speaking from their perspective.
So, how can you watch more responsibly? Ask yourself these questions as you scroll –
- Does this creator have credentials?
- Are there any citations on the information being shared? (Yes, even TikTok now has them.)
- Are they providing an affiliate link to buy something along with telling their story? (Big red flag)
3. Know where misinformation spreads the fastest
Unsurprisingly, user-generated content platforms, like TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube, are the biggest sources of health misinformation.
That doesn’t mean you should log off completely (and we know you won’t – we won’t either!) It just means you need a stronger filter.
Make no mistake, platforms are getting better at this. For example, you can now find:
- Creators who cite research, not their vibes
- Verified physicians on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram
- Podcasts hosted by experts or ones that invite expert guests to the table
You know we couldn’t wrap this up without plugging CDPHP resources. Our website – and this blog! – isn’t just for ID cards and explanations of benefits.
We truly want to help and can offer you –
The advantage of taking advice from CDPHP as your health plan?
Our resources are reviewed by experts and designed with your real-life needs in mind.
Our thought bubble
You are curious and self-directed – and that’s a good thing! But even you, the most online generation, still deserve information that’s evidence-based and personalized.
Use social media for inspiration and verified sources for information – and don’t doubt your instincts for everything else!
Sources:
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/24/trust-health-advice-gen-z-edelman
Why misinformation is all over online health advice
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