Study Finds Social Media Flooded With Misleading Medical Test Advice

Researchers warn that influencers often promote unnecessary and potentially harmful health tests, prioritizing financial incentives over reliable medical evidence.

• A study of 982 Instagram and TikTok posts found 85% of medical test-related content to be misleading, with only 6% citing scientific evidence.
• Popular tests promoted include full-body MRIs, multi-cancer early detection tests, and gut microbiome tests, despite limited evidence of their benefits for healthy individuals.
• Researchers highlight overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments as key risks, with psychological and financial harms also cited as concerns.
• Over two-thirds of influencers analyzed had financial ties to the tests they promoted, often exaggerating benefits while downplaying potential harms.
• Experts recommend verifying sources, consulting medical professionals, and improving media literacy to combat health misinformation online.

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The Guardian 9News