Navigating Self-Diagnosis: The Influence of Social Media

In today's digital landscape, social media is not just a platform for connection but also a source of health information. However, the growing trend of self-diagnosis begs the question: is it a helpful resource or a potential hazard?

Tebra surveyed 1,000 people about their social media use and perceptions of medical content on social media, and here were the key insights:

• The Trend: Our survey reveals that 1 in 4 people have self-diagnosed based on social media information.
• Generational Dynamics: Gen Z leads in this trend, with TikTok emerging as a primary source for medical information for them.
• Importance of Verification: While only 43% of people sought professional opinions after a self-diagnosis on social media, a reassuring 82% of them actually received confirmation, which underscores the need for verification and a second opinion.

Balancing Pros and Cons:

• Addressing Concerns: Misdiagnosis and misinformation are valid concerns. However, respondents also recognize the benefits, including increased medical awareness and reduced stigma.
• Moving Forward: It's essential to use social media as a supplement, not a replacement, for professional medical advice. 

While online medical content can be helpful, we should all be cautious about self-diagnosing; seeking professional medical advice regarding any major illness, disease, or treatment plan is still crucial.

Read more from this survey on The Intake: tebra.co/self-diagnosis-survey-li