Expert Discusses Social Media as Primary Source of Health News

In an era where a single tweet can reach millions and viral videos can shape what many accept as fact, the battle against health misinformation has never been more critical—or more difficult. High-profile figures frequently speak on public health issues with little expertise, sometimes steering audiences down perilous paths away from solid, evidence-based advice. The American public’s increasingly digital diet of news and information means that, according to annual Pew Research Center polls¹, more and more people rely on social media instead of traditional sources to learn about politics, science, and especially health. This shift brings with it enormous challenges, especially as misleading or outright false information can be as contagious as any virus.

Morgan McSweeney, PhD, social media and health influencer, delves into the experiences of a health professional caught in this new era of information as someone attuned to both the promise and the perils of today’s information landscape. He highlights how traditional medical authorities, such as the CDC, the FDA, and the NIH, are losing public trust at a worrying rate—while individual physicians, nurses, and pharmacists remain some of the most trusted sources in their communities. Yet, even these professionals struggle to fight back against deeply ingrained misconceptions circulating online, often with little time or space to change minds and build understanding.

Combating health misinformation requires not just the latest data or larger studies but a fundamental rethinking of how expert voices engage with the public. Evidence-based content needs to become more accessible and relatable—bridging the gap not just with clinical facts, but with warmth, personality, and personal stories that foster real trust.

"I think a big part of it is rebuilding the relationship with the people who do make up the bodies of science and medicine," McSweeney said. "I think health care providers benefit from, in general, being among the more highly trusted people, whereas trust in institutions like the CDC and the FDA and the NIH may be declining and may have been kind of lower in the past relative to health care providers."

REFERENCES

Pew Research Center. Social media and news fact sheet. September 25, 2025. Accessed November 21, 2025. https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/social-media-and-news-fact-sheet/