Young people get health advice from social media. But can they tell good information from bad?

In today’s digital age, where information is just a click away, it can be easy for students to fall prey to misinformation and myths when it comes to health and wellness advice. The overwhelming landscape of online content, full of memes and myths, can make it challenging for young people to discern fact from fiction.

University of Toronto student Soliana Lijiam acknowledges the struggle, stating that it’s easy for youth to accept information as true without questioning its validity. This sentiment is echoed by Kofi Brako, a student studying medicine at McMaster University, who highlights the persuasive nature of the short video bursts on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Lijiam conducted a research project that found young people were influenced by online misinformation, memes, and parodies related to safe sex practices and preventing sexually transmitted infections. She emphasizes the need for students to actively question the content they consume online rather than passively accepting it.

To address this issue, experts like Catherine Burwell, an assistant professor of education at the University of Calgary, suggest that digital media literacy lessons should be integrated across various subjects in the curriculum. These lessons should teach students to differentiate between opinions and evidence-based information and help them develop critical thinking skills.

Recognizing the need for enhanced digital literacy, Dr. Ripudaman Singh Minhas organized a youth conference aimed at equipping young people with the tools to critically evaluate health information on social media. The conference emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue online and encouraged responsible content creation.

Burwell emphasizes the importance of educators helping students understand the broader online landscape and the changing nature of scientific knowledge. She believes that teaching strategies for navigating online content should be incorporated into all subjects, not just limited to civics classes.

Lijiam and Brako offer some basic strategies for improving online information assessment, including being intentional about social media use, verifying the credibility of sources, and considering different perspectives on a topic. By actively engaging with online content and critically evaluating information, students can become more discerning consumers of health and wellness advice.

In conclusion, as students navigate the vast sea of online information, it is essential for educators and health professionals to provide them with the tools and skills needed to distinguish between fact and fiction. By promoting digital literacy and critical thinking, young people can make informed decisions about their health and well-being in an increasingly digital world.