The Quiet Spread of Health Misinformation: Why Seniors Are Most at Risk
Despite the vastness of the internet, access to low-credibility health information isn’t as widespread as one might think. New research from the University of Utah reveals a surprising finding: sites peddling dubious medical advice are relatively rare. But, that doesn’t mean the problem is small. The study, published in Nature Aging, highlights a concerning trend – those who *do* encounter this misinformation are disproportionately older adults, particularly those with right-leaning political views.
A Vulnerable Population
Researchers tracked the online activity of over 1,000 U.S. Adults for four weeks, analyzing over 9 million URLs and 500,000 YouTube videos. They discovered that only 6.8% of the 1,055 health-related domains visited contained low-credibility information. While only 13% of participants visited even one such site, a concentrated 10% accounted for over three-quarters of all visits. This points to a small, but highly vulnerable, segment of the population.
“Most people are not visiting these kinds of websites,” explains Ben Lyons, lead author and associate professor in the Department of Communication. “Visits are pretty rare but the patterns we’ve seen…tend to be replicated here. It’s older adults, in particular, those who consume more right-leaning partisan news.”
Why Older Adults? It’s Not Just Digital Literacy
Previous research established that older Americans are more susceptible to political misinformation. This study investigated if the same held true for health information. Interestingly, the researchers found that engagement with questionable health content wasn’t as high as engagement with partisan political content. “The age effect is way bigger for politics,” Lyons notes. “People see politics as way more entertaining than they would health-related content.”
However, older adults’ greater engagement with health information – driven by increased health needs and medical decision-making – does increase their potential exposure. The study also revealed that exposure isn’t random. Individuals who already held false beliefs or harbored conspiratorial views were more likely to stumble upon dubious health content.
The Insular Nature of Misinformation
The study also uncovered *how* people are finding these sites. Contrary to expectations, traffic isn’t primarily driven by search engines like Google or social media platforms like Facebook. Instead, users are often directed to these sites through other low-credibility sources, creating an “insular” network of misinformation. “They’re visiting these because they visit other low-credibility sites, they’re clicking through, and they’re spending more time on these sites. They’re going to them directly,” Lyons explains.
Future Trends and Challenges
As the digital landscape evolves, several trends could exacerbate this problem. The rise of personalized content algorithms, while intended to enhance user experience, could inadvertently create “filter bubbles” reinforcing existing beliefs, even if those beliefs are inaccurate. The increasing sophistication of “deepfake” technology could make it harder to distinguish between genuine and fabricated health information.
the growing popularity of platforms like TikTok, where health information – and misinformation – spreads rapidly, presents a new challenge. A 2021 study from the University of Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute found that a third of the most popular cancer treatment articles on social media contain misinformation, and these articles often receive more engagement than evidence-based information.
Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach. Simply improving digital literacy isn’t enough. Efforts must also focus on understanding the emotional and partisan factors that drive misinformation engagement. Healthcare providers also have a crucial role to play in proactively discussing online health information with their patients.
FAQ: Health Misinformation and Older Adults
Q: Is all health information online unreliable?
A: No. Many reputable sources provide accurate health information. However, it’s crucial to evaluate the source carefully.
Q: What should I glance for when evaluating a health website?
A: Look for websites from established medical institutions, government agencies, or professional organizations. Check for author credentials and evidence-based information.
Q: Are younger people immune to health misinformation?
A: No, but older adults are disproportionately affected, as highlighted by this research.
Q: How can I protect myself from health misinformation?
A: Be skeptical of sensational headlines, verify information with multiple sources, and discuss health concerns with your doctor.
Did you recognize? Articles containing misinformation often garner more attention and engagement on social media than those with evidence-based information.
Pro Tip: Before sharing health information online, seize a moment to verify its accuracy. You could be helping to prevent the spread of harmful misinformation.
Want to learn more about spotting misinformation? Explore resources from the University of Utah’s Health Feed: Can You Trust This Article? Distinguishing Information from Misinformation
Share your thoughts! Have you encountered health misinformation online? Let us know in the comments below.
