The worldwide web offers answers to most every question under the sun, but not all of the answers are correct. How can you know if health advice on the internet is true or false?
The internet has become a go-to source for information. Social media is packed with posts from friends and acquaintances, advertisers and influencers. Many posts and sites promote wellness products, diet plans, and alternative treatments. While some of this content can be helpful, much of it is based on fads and paid promotions rather than solid medical evidence – and some could even be scams and fraud. That’s why it’s so important to approach health information online with a critical eye. Let’s break down how to separate fact from fiction and make sure you’re getting advice from the right places.
Tips for vetting health advice on the internet
Social media is full of people eager to share health ideas, whether it’s an influencer promoting a new supplement or a friend swearing by a home remedy. But just because information is popular doesn’t mean it’s accurate.
How can you tell what’s legit?
Look for red flags:
- Influencers with a financial interest. Many online personalities earn money by promoting products. Some are paid to promote a brand, while others are promoting their own products and services. Some may believe in what they’re selling, but the information may be biased or inaccurate and is rarely objective.
- Friends and family sharing personal experiences. While it’s great to hear about what worked for someone, personal anecdotes don’t equal medical facts.
- Fear-based claims. If someone is urging you to completely cut out certain foods, avoid medications, or try an extreme diet or supplement, be skeptical – especially if they don’t back up their claims with data from a reputable source.
A study reported in February 2025 in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” found that much of the health content on Instagram and TikTok is misleading and financially motivated. Specifically, the study reported, “In this cross-sectional study of social media posts about 5 popular medical tests, most posts were misleading or failed to mention important harms, including overdiagnosis or overuse.”
So before you hit the “like” button or share a post, take a step back and ask: Is this information really reliable?
Ask key questions to determine if a source is trustworthy:
- Who is sharing this information? Is it coming from a licensed medical professional, a research institution, or a well-respected health organization?
- Do they cite reputable sources? Reliable health advice should be backed by peer-reviewed studies or organizations that specialize in the topic.
- Are they trying to sell you something? If someone stands to make money from their advice – whether through affiliate links, paid sponsorships, or product sales – take it with a grain of salt.
- Does this align with what major medical institutions say? If a claim contradicts leading health organizations without strong evidence, be skeptical.
Use reliable sources of information:
Use trusted sources for verification. Better yet, use them as your primary source material.
- National Institutes of Health (nih.gov)
- MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov)
- Cleveland Clinic (clevelandclinic.org)
- Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org)
- Healthline (healthline.com) Note that Healthline is a for-profit website (it generates revenue through ads, sponsored content, or affiliate links), but it often provides links to credible, peer-reviewed research from scientific journals or credible sources.
- Organizations that focus on a specialty, such as the American College of Rheumatology (rheumatology.org), the American Heart Association (heart.org), the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), Arthritis Foundation (arthritis.org), and American Psychological Association (apa.org)
These sources base their information on solid medical research, not on passing trends or personal opinions.
Other tips for vetting health advice on the internet
- Fact-check all health claims that you see online. For example, if you come across a post claiming that a certain vitamin can “cure” arthritis or that a trendy new diet will “reverse” aging, do some detective work.
- Search for the topic on reputable health sites. If a major medical organization hasn’t mentioned it, it has probably not been verified.
- Look at the original research. If the post references a study, try to find that study yourself. Was it published in a well-known medical journal? Was the study done on humans or just on mice in a lab? Has it been debunked?
- Check multiple sources. If only one person is making a claim but no major health organizations are talking about it, chances are it’s not solid advice.
Talk to your doctor. Before making changes to your diet, supplements, or medications, run it by a medical professional who knows your health history. Something that works for your friend or an influencer may not work for you based on medical conditions, medications that you are on, or lifestyle differences.
The bottom line
You might find solid health advice on the internet, but it’s also full of misinformation. Make informed health decisions based on facts, not fads. By being cautious about influencers, checking credentials, and sticking to reputable sources, you can make sure the health advice you follow is safe, sound, and truly beneficial. Next time you see a viral health tip – pause, research, and make sure it’s the real deal before taking action.