Expert warns against social media health advice, cites hidden marketing

Clinical pharmacist specializing in internal medicine and neurology, Huda Al-Dosari, has warned against following health tips and remedies circulated on social media, stressing that the widespread availability of health content does not guarantee its reliability. She noted that some content presented as 'awareness' may in fact be disguised marketing, pushing audiences to use products or treatments without clear medical need.

Al-Dosari explained that while social media platforms have become among the fastest sources of health information, the risk arises when general information is turned into direct treatment recommendations, or when a drug, supplement, or health product is promoted as suitable for everyone, without considering differences in health conditions, medications, age, medical history, and other factors that affect treatment choice and safety.

She stated that reliable medical information does not rely on exaggerated promises or present a treatment as a 'definitive solution' or 'guaranteed for everyone.' Instead, it is based on clear scientific sources, outlines benefits, limitations, and potential risks, and recognizes that treatment decisions vary from person to person depending on diagnosis and health status.

Al-Dosari highlighted key warning signs in circulated health content, such as excessive focus on quick results, using individual experiences as evidence of effectiveness, overlooking side effects and drug interactions, and directly linking content to product purchases or promotional links without clarifying their advertising nature.

She added that one person's experience with a drug or supplement cannot be generalized to others; similar symptoms do not necessarily indicate the same illness, and a treatment’s success in one case does not automatically make it suitable for another, especially when chronic diseases or other medications are involved that may affect safety or efficacy.

Al-Dosari pointed out that the number of followers, views, or the popularity of a content creator is not a scientific measure of information accuracy. She emphasized the importance of verifying the provider’s qualifications, the source of the information, and whether it is based on recognized scientific evidence, rather than personal experiences or marketing messages.

She stressed the importance of not treating circulated health content as a substitute for professional consultation, especially when it comes to prescription medications or chronic health conditions that require careful assessment and follow-up.

Al-Dosari warned that stopping prescribed medications, changing dosages, or starting new treatments based on online posts or videos can lead to unexpected health consequences, and that decisions like these should be made by a physician or pharmacist familiar with the patient’s full medical history.

In conclusion, Al-Dosari noted that social media can play a positive role in raising health awareness, but it cannot replace direct medical evaluation. She stressed that whenever information shifts from general awareness to recommending a treatment, dosage, or stopping medication, consulting a specialist becomes even more crucial.