Young Adults Turning to Social Media for Health Advice Amid Gaps in Preventive Care
A recent survey conducted by Healthline Media and YouGov reveals a growing trend among young adults in the U.S. who are increasingly relying on social media platforms for health information. At the same time, the study highlights significant gaps in preventive healthcare, including screenings and routine exams, raising concerns among health professionals.
Preventive Care Screenings Falling Behind
The survey, conducted in September 2024 with over 4,000 U.S. adults, found that preventive care screenings are being widely overlooked. Only 42% of respondents had an annual physical in the past year, and just 37% reported going for a dental cleaning.
The numbers are even more striking when broken down by procedure:
- Mammograms: 52% of women aged 40 and over did not receive one.
- Gynecological exams: Only 22% of women had one.
- Colonoscopies: Just 16% of adults aged 45 and older underwent this crucial screening.
Dr. Jenny Yu, Chief Medical Officer at Healthline, emphasized the risks of skipping these screenings: “Routine screenings are essential for detecting serious health issues early. They create a baseline for ongoing care and informed decision-making between doctors and patients.”
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword for Health Advice
As more young people bypass traditional medical care, social media has become a go-to source for wellness information. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are filled with content from influencers promoting everything from “liquid gold” colostrum supplements to DIY health hacks like baking soda water and cucumber salads.
Key findings from the survey show:
- Millennials and Gen Zers were 63% and 67% more likely, respectively, to turn to social media for health tips compared to other sources.
- 52% of respondents tried wellness products or practices they learned about online in the past year.
- Men were more likely than women (57% vs. 48%) to adopt these social media-inspired health trends, with 36% specifically citing YouTube as an information source.
However, despite this enthusiasm, many users are skeptical. About 77% of participants expressed negative perceptions of the health and wellness tools they found on social media. Those with chronic conditions were even more wary — 79% had negative views compared to 72% of those without such conditions.
Generational and Gender Differences in Perceptions
Younger generations tend to view social media health trends more favorably:
- 53% of Gen Z and 45% of Millennials had a positive perception.
- Only 32% of Gen X and 25% of Baby Boomers felt the same.
- Women were slightly more likely than men (39% vs. 35%) to view these trends positively.
A Drive Toward Wellness — But with Caution
Interestingly, people who did receive preventive care were more likely to engage with social media wellness trends. Of those who had an annual health screening, 53% said they tried online wellness advice — compared to just 30% of those who skipped checkups.
Popular trends included:
- Gut health: Prebiotics, probiotics, microbiome supplements
- Skincare: Anti-aging products like retinol and collagen
- Weight management: Detox teas, juice cleanses, weight loss medications
- Hair care: Rosemary and rice water rinses, oiling
- Oral hygiene: Water flossing and oil pulling
Healthline’s Response: Combating Misinformation
To address the growing influence of social media on health literacy, Healthline’s online community Bezzy launched “Bezzy vs. BS” during Health Literacy Month. This campaign focuses on busting health myths with expert advice, real-life stories, and educational resources to help users spot misinformation.
Final Takeaway
The survey underscores a critical issue: while young people are eager to improve their health, many are bypassing routine medical care in favor of potentially unreliable advice on social media. Health professionals stress the importance of maintaining regular screenings and using trusted sources for health information.
As Dr. Yu noted, relatable does not always mean reliable — and when it comes to health, accuracy can be life-saving.