Written By: Shannon Roussy-Sanchez, DrPH(c), MPH, CHES

Every October, Health Literacy Month highlights the importance of understanding health information to make informed decisions. With health topics flooding our screens on social media, the need for clear, accurate, and accessible health literacy has never been more vital. For many, social media is the primary source of health information, which can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s critical to develop the skills to navigate this landscape, distinguish reliable information from misinformation, and advocate for your own health.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what health literacy means, why it matters, and how you can enhance your ability to sift through the vast array of online health content—particularly on social media.
What is Health Literacy?
Health literacy is the ability to access, understand, and use information to make decisions about your health. It goes beyond simply reading medical facts or following health guidelines—it requires critical thinking, decision-making, and the ability to navigate complex health systems. Health literacy affects how you communicate with healthcare providers, manage chronic conditions, and even interpret insurance information.
With the growing influence of social media platforms, health literacy also means being able to differentiate between credible sources and unreliable or harmful health advice. As consumers of health information, it's crucial to remain vigilant about the content we encounter online and its potential impact on our health choices.

Photo by: Literacy Volunteers
Why Health Literacy Matters
Good health literacy can mean the difference between effectively managing your health and being overwhelmed by it. In the U.S. alone, low health literacy is associated with poorer health outcomes, increased hospitalizations, and higher mortality (loss of life) rates.
When people understand their health conditions and treatment options, they are better equipped to manage their health proactively.
The stakes are even higher in the digital age. With millions of users posting and sharing health-related content on social media, it can be hard to determine what is factual, what is opinion-based, and what is misinformation. A lack of health literacy can lead to the spread of inaccurate or harmful information, potentially putting people at risk.
The Rise of Social Media as a Health Information Source
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have become go-to sources for health advice, tips, and trends. From fitness routines to mental health strategies, many influencers and healthcare professionals share valuable content. However, not all of this content is created equally, and not everyone sharing health information is a qualified expert. The ease of sharing unverified information can lead to confusion and misinformation.
During crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed the rapid spread of misinformation that affected public health responses. While social media can be a powerful tool for spreading awareness and promoting healthy behaviors, it also has the potential to amplify myths, pseudoscience, and dangerous health practices.
How to Evaluate Health Information on Social Media
To navigate the digital world effectively, especially regarding your health, developing digital health literacy is essential. Here are some practical tips for ensuring the information you’re getting from social media is reliable:
Check the Source
Before trusting health advice or information, check the credentials of the person or organization sharing it. Is the source a licensed healthcare professional, a reputable health organization, or an academic institution? Be cautious of influencers who lack medical training but promote health products or services.
If you're unsure of a source’s credibility, a quick Google search can reveal their background and expertise. For instance, organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and National Institutes of Health (NIH) are trustworthy sources of health information.
Be Skeptical of Bold Claims
If a post or video promises miracle cures, quick fixes, or guarantees, it’s a red flag. Health is complex, and reputable professionals will emphasize the importance of science-backed methods, long-term strategies, and individualized care.
Extreme diets, "detoxes," and magic weight-loss solutions often make the rounds on social media. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Look for Scientific Evidence
Reliable health information is usually backed by scientific evidence. Look for references to studies, research articles, or links to trusted health websites. If a post cites "studies" without any specific details or references, it’s worth doing a bit of digging to verify the information.
Fact-checking websites like Snopes or government health websites can help you verify claims. Additionally, peer-reviewed journals and publications offer the most credible research, though they may be harder to access for non-experts.
Watch Out for Sponsored Content
Many influencers and content creators earn money through partnerships or sponsorships. If a health product or service is being promoted, it’s essential to assess whether the information is objective or if it’s a paid advertisement. Sponsored posts should be clearly labeled, but sometimes this isn’t obvious. Be wary of posts that feel overly promotional or offer discounts on health products.
When in doubt, consult your healthcare provider before trying any new health products you see online.
Engage Critically with Comments and Conversations
Comments sections on social media can be filled with personal anecdotes, questions, and opinions. While engaging with others can be helpful, remember that personal experiences shared in these spaces do not equate to scientific proof. People’s health needs and responses vary greatly, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Take the time to research and consult with a medical professional rather than relying on advice from the comment section.
Be Aware of Algorithms
Social media platforms are designed to keep you engaged, which means the algorithms will often show you more of the content you interact with. If you start liking or sharing posts related to specific health trends, the platform may serve you more similar content, regardless of its accuracy.
Make a habit of diversifying your content sources, following healthcare professionals, public health organizations, and medical journals. This will help balance the content you see and reduce the risk of getting trapped in a bubble of misinformation.
Tools and Resources to Boost Your Health Literacy
Improving your health literacy requires ongoing effort, but there are plenty of tools available to help:
MedlinePlus: A resource from the U.S. National Library of Medicine, offering information on a wide variety of health topics in plain language.
Health.gov: Offers tools to improve health literacy and patient education.
Mayo Clinic: Provides trustworthy health information on a wide range of medical topics.
Consumer Reports Health: Offers evidence-based reviews and advice on healthcare products and services.
Additionally, many hospitals and health systems offer patient education portals with videos, articles, and tools to improve health literacy. Taking advantage of these resources can help you become a more informed healthcare consumer.
Health Literacy Month is a timely reminder of the importance of understanding health information—especially in a digital world that’s overflowing with advice, trends, and tips. By honing your ability to evaluate health information critically, you can avoid misinformation, make better health decisions, and empower others to do the same.
In the end, health literacy is not just about what you know—it's about taking control of your health in an informed, confident way. By navigating social media wisely and seeking out credible sources, you can ensure that the health choices you make are based on facts, not fads.
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