The Truth About Health Information: How to Spot and Stop Misinformation and Disinformation

In today’s digital world, information is always at our fingertips. With a single tap or swipe, we can access answers to questions about almost anything—including health. But just because information is easy to find doesn’t mean it’s always accurate. As the digital landscape grows, so does the problem of misinformation and disinformation, especially around health.

Health misinformation and disinformation aren’t new challenges, but in the age of viral videos, social media influencers, and clickbait headlines, the spread is faster—and more dangerous—than ever.

The Digital Dilemma

The internet and social media have revolutionised the way we share and consume content. But without proper checks and balances, the line between credible information and falsehoods often gets blurred.

A recent report from the International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE) sounded the alarm, pointing to the risks posed by unregulated platforms. Social media, while powerful for education and outreach, has also become a breeding ground for half-truths, misunderstandings, and outright lies. And when it comes to health, misinformation can have serious—even deadly—consequences.

But why is this happening?

According to Professor Stephan Lewandowsky, chair in cognitive psychology at the University of Bristol and project lead of PRODEMINFO at Potsdam University, there are two key culprits: misinformation and disinformation.

• Misinformation is incorrect or misleading information that’s spread unintentionally. It often arises from misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or simply passing along outdated facts.

• Disinformation, on the other hand, is far more deliberate. It’s the purposeful spread of false information with an agenda—whether political, financial, or ideological. This kind of manipulation is what makes disinformation particularly insidious.

Why Do We Fall for It?

False health information isn’t always easy to spot—especially when it’s wrapped in slick visuals, confident language, or shared by someone we know and trust. Social media algorithms tend to reinforce what we already believe, creating echo chambers where the same misleading ideas get repeated over and over until they feel like truth.

Cognitive biases also play a big role. People are more likely to believe information that aligns with their existing beliefs or experiences—a phenomenon known as confirmation bias. Prof. Lewandowsky explains that once a piece of misinformation is accepted, it can be surprisingly persistent, even in the face of clear evidence to the contrary.

This is why some people continue to believe myths about vaccines, nutrition, or disease cures long after those myths have been publicly debunked.

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Learning to Navigate the Noise

So how do we protect ourselves and others from falling victim to health misinformation?

Dr. Jenny Yu, MD, FACS, Chief Health Officer at RVO Health, offers some critical advice: Start by examining your sources. “Make sure the information you’re reading is backed by credible institutions—whether it’s a well-known hospital, government agency, or peer-reviewed journal,” she says.

Here are a few simple strategies to avoid being misled:

• Pause before sharing: If something seems shocking, too good to be true, or emotionally charged, take a moment to verify it before clicking “share.”

• Check the author and source: Look for credentials. Is the content written by a medical expert or a random blog with no clear background?

• Cross-reference information: See if the same claim appears on other trustworthy sites. Misinformation tends to live in isolated pockets.

• Be wary of absolutes: Health is nuanced. Beware of statements that say something “always” works or “never” fails.

• Look for citations: Reliable health information is often supported by studies and research. If sources are missing, that’s a red flag.

Changing Minds, Gently

One of the biggest challenges isn’t just spotting bad information—it’s changing the minds of people who already believe it. According to Prof. Lewandowsky, the key lies in empathetic communication. “Facts alone don’t always change beliefs,” he says. “It’s important to understand where someone is coming from and gently guide them toward more accurate information.”

He suggests using what’s called “prebunking”—teaching people about common myths and how they spread before they encounter them. This can build psychological resilience and reduce the impact of false information.

Another useful approach is storytelling. Personal narratives—especially from people who have been harmed by following bad health advice—can be more persuasive than statistics alone.

The Path Forward

We’re living in an age of information abundance, but with that comes the responsibility to think critically and share thoughtfully. Everyone has a role to play—from tech companies designing algorithms to health professionals communicating with the public to everyday users scrolling through their feeds.

Misinformation thrives in confusion. Clarity, empathy, and education are our strongest defences.

As we move forward, it’s not just about stopping the spread of false health info—it’s about creating a culture where accuracy, understanding, and human connection are prioritized.

The next time you’re tempted to share that “miracle cure” or “urgent warning,” take a step back. Ask yourself, Is this true? Is this helpful? Could this do harm?

That small pause might be the most powerful tool we have in the fight against misinformation.