I’m rather sceptical about the dissemination of advice in the medical field but thanks to social networks this type of information has spread to an extreme extent. The use of Doctor Google or Facebook groups for self-diagnosis, as well as the dissemination of information that is useless to the user or even downright harmful prompted me to write this article.
If you want to use internet or social media to have medical information, I have two tips for you:
1. Always read an article to the end and not just the title! (I know many people just take a quick view to the title. Let me tell you one thing, you are not saving time. Many titles are made to catch your attention but you get the true meaning of the article only if you read it!)
2. Make sure that the information comes from an official association that deals specifically and continuously with your problem. But, first of all, get a precise diagnosis from your doctor. This is the first concrete step to take in case you have any health problems.
And now let’s see how to evaluate if a piece of news is true or false! Enjoy the reading!
Introduction
Fake news in the medical field can have serious consequences, as it can lead to people making incorrect or harmful decisions about their health based on false information. It is important for people to be able to recognize fake news and to get their information from reliable sources.
One way to spot fake news is to check the source of the information. Look for articles that come from reputable sources, such as established news organizations, government agencies, or respected academic institutions. Be cautious of sources that have a biased or agenda-driven perspective, or that have a history of publishing false or misleading information.
Another way to spot fake news is to fact-check the information. Look for other sources that confirm or corroborate the information in the article. Check for errors or inconsistencies in the information. Use tools like Snopes or FactCheck.org to help verify the accuracy of the information.
It is also a good idea to be wary of sensational headlines or articles that seem too good (or too bad) to be true. These types of articles are often designed to grab attention and spread quickly, but they may not be based on accurate or reliable information.
Finally, be aware that fake news in the medical field is not limited to traditional news sources. It can also be spread through social media, forums, blogs, and other online platforms. It is important to use critical thinking skills and fact-check information that you come across online before sharing it with others.
There have been many examples of fake news in the medical field over the years
Here are a few examples of notable cases:
- Andrew Wakefield’s study linking the MMR vaccine to autism: In 1998, Dr. Andrew Wakefield published a study in The Lancet claiming that there was a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. The study was widely reported in the media and caused a significant drop in vaccination rates. However, the study has been thoroughly debunked and found to be fraudulent. The Lancet later retracted the study, and Wakefield was stripped of his medical license.
- The anti-vaccine movement: There is a persistent and widespread belief among some people that vaccines are harmful, despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary. This belief is fed in part by fake news and misinformation about vaccines, which can spread quickly on social media and other online platforms.
- The hCG diet: The hCG diet involves injecting or orally consuming the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin in combination with a very low-calorie diet. The diet has been promoted as a way to lose weight quickly and has been the subject of numerous fake news articles. There is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of the HCG diet, and it can be dangerous due to the extreme calorie restriction.
- Miracle cures: There are many fake news articles and websites that promote unproven or miraculous cures for various diseases and conditions. These cures are often marketed as “natural” or “holistic” and can be dangerous if people stop seeking proper medical treatment in favour of these unproven remedies.
There are a few steps you can take to help detect fake news in the medical field
First of all check the source! As I said above, look for articles that come from reputable sources, such as established news organizations, government agencies, or respected academic institutions.
Here is a short list of things to keep in mind while reading news:
- Fact-check the information: Look for other sources that confirm or corroborate the information in the article. Check for errors or inconsistencies in the information. Use tools like Snopes or FactCheck.org to help verify the accuracy of the information.
- Beware of sensational headlines: Be wary of sensational headlines or articles that seem too good (or too bad) to be true. These types of articles are often designed to grab attention and spread quickly, but they may not be based on accurate or reliable information.
- Use critical thinking skills: Be sceptical of information that seems too good to be true, or that conflicts with what you know to be true based on your own research and knowledge. Use critical thinking skills to evaluate the information and consider the potential biases or agendas of the source.
- Seek out multiple sources: Don’t rely on just one source for your information. Look for information from multiple sources and compare the information to see if it is consistent.
- Consult with a healthcare professional: If you have questions about your health or are considering making a change to your healthcare routine, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide you with reliable and accurate information and help you make informed decisions about your health.
Best websites to detect fake news in the medical field
There are several websites that can help you fact-check and verify the accuracy of information related to medicine and health. Some reliable sources include:
- PubMed: PubMed is a database of medical literature maintained by the National Institutes of Health. It contains millions of articles from scientific journals, making it a reliable source of information on medical topics.
- Snopes: Snopes is a fact-checking website that investigates and debunks myths and misinformation. It has a section dedicated to health and science, where you can find articles that fact-check and verify the accuracy of information related to medicine and health.
- FactCheck: is a non-partisan fact-checking website that is dedicated to checking the accuracy of claims made by politicians, public officials, and other organizations. It has a section on health-related claims, where you can find articles that fact-check and verify the accuracy of information related to medicine and health.
- Google offers an entire tool box to do factcheking, just use it!
I know it’s much easier to just sit on the sofa and ask Dr. Google for a quick solution, but if you have any medical issues, it would be better to see a doctor!