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A global study led by the University of Sydney has found that influencers on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are spreading “overwhelmingly” misleading information about medical tests. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed nearly 1,000 posts about five controversial medical screening tests promoted to an audience of nearly 200 million followers.
The study found that the majority of these posts lacked scientific evidence, were promotional in nature, involved financial interests, and failed to highlight the potential harms of the tests. The medical tests in question included full-body MRI scans, genetic testing for early cancer detection, testosterone blood tests, anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) fertility tests, and gut microbiome tests. Experts have raised concerns over the limited evidence supporting the benefits of these tests in healthy individuals and the risks of overdiagnosis and medical overuse.
Widespread Misinformation
Dr. Brooke Nickel, the lead researcher from the Faculty of Medicine and Health’s School of Public Health, emphasized that most of these tests are being promoted under the guise of preventive health. “They are being marketed as a means to take control of one’s health, but in reality, they are unnecessary for most people. In many cases, the scientific basis of their effectiveness is weak,” Dr. Nickel stated.
One of the study’s most alarming findings was that 85% of posts failed to mention any risks or downsides associated with these tests. “The potential consequences of overdiagnosis include unnecessary medical treatments, increased anxiety, and potential harm to mental health,” Dr. Nickel warned.
A key example is the AMH or “egg-timer” test, which influencers market as a fertility indicator. However, experts argue that it is not a reliable measure of fertility for healthy women. “A low AMH result can drive women towards unnecessary and costly fertility treatments,” Dr. Nickel explained.
Similarly, testosterone tests are frequently marketed to men using fear-based tactics to encourage the use of testosterone supplements. “The long-term safety of testosterone replacement therapy is still unknown, particularly in relation to cardiovascular health and mortality risk,” she added.
Key Findings from the Study:
- 87% of posts highlighted test benefits, but only 15% mentioned potential harms.
- Only 6% acknowledged risks of overdiagnosis or overtreatment.
- A mere 6% referenced scientific evidence, whereas 34% relied on personal anecdotes.
- 68% of influencers had financial interests in promoting the tests, such as partnerships, sponsorships, or direct sales.
Dr. Ray Moynihan, co-researcher and Honorary Assistant Professor at Bond University, described the findings as a public health crisis. “Social media has become an open sewer of medical misinformation. This exacerbates overdiagnosis and puts strain on healthcare systems,” he said.
The Push for Regulation
The study also found that posts from medical professionals, those citing scientific evidence, and those without financial conflicts of interest tended to provide more balanced information. This has prompted researchers to call for stronger regulation of misleading medical content on social media.
“With platforms like Instagram moving away from fact-checking health content, the urgency for regulatory intervention has never been greater,” said Dr. Josh Zadro, a senior researcher and study co-author from the University of Sydney.
Controversial Medical Tests Promoted on Social Media:
- Full-body MRI scans: Promoted as a way to detect up to 500 conditions but with no proven benefit for healthy people and a high risk of unnecessary diagnoses.
- Multi-cancer early detection tests: Claimed to screen for 50+ cancers, but clinical trials are ongoing, and there is no solid evidence supporting their routine use in healthy individuals.
- AMH or “egg-timer” test: Marketed to women as a fertility test despite expert concerns that it can lead to unnecessary and costly fertility interventions.
- Gut microbiome tests: Touted as a way to detect various health conditions, despite little supporting scientific evidence and risks of leading to unnecessary treatments.
- Testosterone tests: No proven benefit for healthy men, yet widely marketed with concerns over the potential dangers of testosterone therapy.
The research team continues to explore strategies to combat misinformation and promote evidence-based health information on social media.
Disclaimer: This article is based on research findings and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals should consult a healthcare professional before making medical decisions or undergoing any tests.
