On average, US patients get 18 minutes with their doctor, and that includes the time the doctor spends reading their file and creating an electronic record! So it’s no surprise that those same patients turn to social media to get their health questions answered.
Unfortunately, recent research from the Maven Clinic and other sources has shown that that’s a suboptimal way for patients to get the critical inputs they need; 57% of TikTok videos about trying to conceive contain misinformation, 72% of for profit videos on TikTok have misinformation, and 82% of Instagram posts about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) had financial conflicts of interest.
The reality is that patients are seeking information they are not receiving through standard care delivery channels; misinformation on social media is a symptom, not the root cause.
Trusted health companies can bridge that gap and provided verified, relevant content. Now we just need to teach consumers where to look. Spoiler: it’s unlikely to be TikTok or Instagram!
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