Top Influencer Debunks COVID Myths: 280K TikTok Followers

In 2020, amidst the global uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Katrine Wallace, PhD, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, found herself a go-to resource for her friends and family seeking reliable information. Seeking to inform and alleviate their fears, she took to social media to create educational videos that quickly gained traction.

The Rise of a Social Media Educator

Initially, Wallace’s social media presence was modest, primarily serving her close circle. “I would make a daily update, and my accounts were small at the time, mostly for family and friends. Those started getting shared with other people and before I knew it, my accounts got bigger,” Wallace told Healthline.

Today, her TikTok account boasts over 280,000 followers, while her Instagram has nearly 90,000. She continues to share crucial public health information about COVID-19 and other health-related topics, actively debunking misinformation that circulates online.

“There is a flood of bad information out there that is put out by people trying to sell stuff online, so I try to point people to the CDC or other sources made for lay people like their public health department,” Wallace explained.

Battling Misinformation

Wallace never anticipated becoming an “influencer.” However, the prevalence of dangerous health misinformation and conspiracy theories on social media has driven her to persist in her efforts. “I’m giving people the tools to have those conversations with their coworkers, with their family, with their uncle at Thanksgiving who thinks the vaccine has microchips in it,” she said. “Hopefully it has ripple effects and gets the message out there.”

The Influence of Social Media on Health Information

A recent survey by the personal trainer app Zing Coach revealed that 56% of Gen Z users turn to TikTok for health and wellness advice. For 1 in 3, TikTok is their primary source of health knowledge.

“Gen Z isn’t exactly the picture of perfect health — more than half of 18- to 25-year-old Americans are overweight — but it’s not for a lack of desire. Zing’s research shows considerable interest in pursuing health and well-being among the younger demographic,” Walter Gjergja, Chief Wellness Officer at Zing Coach, told Healthline.

The Cost Factor

“They’re just not as willing or able to pay for a personal trainer or work with a qualified doctor. Instead, they turn to TikTok, Google, and YouTube for advice because it’s fast and free,” said Gjergja.

However, this reliance on social media exposes them to misinformation and body confidence issues. Aaron B. Zimmerman, optometrist and associate professor of clinical optometry at The Ohio State University, recounted a case where a patient suffered permanent retinal damage after following a TikTok video that endorsed staring at the sun for health benefits.

The Reality of Misinformation

The Zing Coach survey found that 1 in 3 people admitted they don’t double-check the wellness advice they get from TikTok, while 1 in 10 said that a high number of likes or followers is enough to make the influencer trustworthy, regardless of their professional background.

“When we see an account with millions of followers and videos with an endless stream of positive comments from other users, our first thought is that the information shared must be true. However, likes and engagement are by no means an indication of an influencer’s trustworthiness,” Gjergja pointed out.

The Dark Side of Social Influence

For many influencers, social media is a source of income, and some spread misinformation if it pays well enough. Additionally, Wallace noted that the more sensational and compelling a video is, the more it spreads. “Conspiracy theories get millions of views because people think they have a secret the government doesn’t want them to know,” she said. “The algorithms work in a way that if you’re following people who put out misinformation, then you’re consistently getting bad information, and if you’re getting all your information from there then there is a big percentage of people who are not getting fact-based information.”

The Challenge of Combating Misinformation

Calling out dishonest influencers can feel like shouting into the void. “You could leave a message calling out the misinformation. However, it will soon get buried under a stream of comments from loyal fans who staunchly believe everything social media’s popular personalities say,” Gjergja said.

Reporting Misinformation

Wallace added that the effort of reporting misinformation often doesn’t feel worth it if people don’t believe the platform will remove the video. “There are videos I report that say the vaccine has HIV in it, and it will come back as it doesn’t violate community guidelines. I’ve even had anti-Semitic things come back as not violating guidelines,” she said. “[Platforms] get paid whether it’s good or bad information.”

She pointed to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, legislation passed in 1996, which declares that service providers or individuals are not to be held liable for illegal content posted online by other people. “The way accountability can start is by changing that legislation because now we have very far outgrown it. It still enables the platforms to do nothing about misinformation,” she said. “Platforms have no incentive to [take action] because they make money the more things go viral and the more they keep engagement going.”

Legal Accountability and Health Information

Holding people legally accountable for producing content and videos that contain misinformation is complex. Even if they know they are misleading or potentially harming others, they can claim their content is for entertainment reasons. Banning material is a delicate issue that could violate the First Amendment.

“If people are harmed and there is strong evidence of malice by the content generator(s), then perhaps there are legal avenues that can be pursued,” said Zimmerman. However, he believes the best approach is to counter bad health information with evidence-based content produced by reputable individuals and organizations.

Trustworthy Sources of Health Information

There are qualified experts on TikTok and other social media platforms who aim to provide genuine, honest, and accurate health information. When seeking medical advice, look for those with respected qualifications, such as an MD or PhD. For fitness advice, consider those with reputable certifications like those from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

“But don’t just believe the words in a self-proclaimed expert’s bio. Whether by reading reviews from past customers, scouring their LinkedIn profiles, looking at their longevity and standing in the wellness industry, or checking a trustworthy directory for their claimed profession, you need to do your research and fact-check their claims before you follow any advice,” said Gjergja.

Evaluating Scientific Data

Consider what type of scientific data influencers are sharing or backing their claims with. “When I’m talking about something, I always try to share an article that I’m referring to. I try to make sure that people know it is evidence-based from a reputable source; I’m not saying things with no data to back it up,” Wallace emphasized.

Always check with your doctor before acting on any health advice from people on social media, even if they appear reputable.

FAQs

Why do people trust health information from social media?

Many people find social media appealing for health information due to its accessibility, speed, and the engaging nature of the content. It’s often seen as more relatable than traditional medical advice.

What are the risks of following health advice from social media?

The major risks include exposure to misinformation, potential physical harm from following unverified advice, and the likelihood of developing body confidence issues.

How can one verify the credibility of health information on social media?

Look for content from individuals with respected qualifications, such as MD, PhD, or certified fitness trainers. Check their professional background, read reviews, and verify the scientific data they provide.

What should I do if I encounter misinformation on social media?

Reporting the content to the platform is a good first step, though it may not always result in removal. Sharing accurate, evidence-based information can also help counteract misinformation.

How can legislation help in combating misinformation on social media?

Updating laws like Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act could hold platforms more accountable for the content shared on their sites, incentivizing them to take action against misinformation.

Conclusion

The rise of social media as a primary source of health information, especially among younger generations, underscores the critical need for credible, evidence-based content. While influencers like Katrine Wallace work tirelessly to debunk misinformation, the onus is also on users to verify the credibility of the information they consume. By being diligent about the sources of advice and understanding the legal and ethical landscape, we can better navigate the flood of information and make informed health decisions.