A study led by Australian researchers found most social media posts about some medical tests talk up benefits and ignore risks.
Key Facts
- Journal: JAMA Network Open, 2025
- Posts studied: 982 on Instagram and TikTok
- 87.1% talked about benefits
- 14.7% mentioned harms
- 68% of accounts had money links
The Tests
They included full-body MRI, cancer blood tests, AMH, gut microbiome and testosterone tests.
What Researchers Said
Dr Brooke Nickel said: “These tests are being marketed as early screening tools.”
Tips
Talk to your GP before paying for a test you saw online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many posts were studied?
982.
What did most posts do?
Talk up benefits.
What should I do?
Ask your GP first.
Conclusion
Check with a doctor before trusting health advice online.
Related reads: 3 Teens Arrested After Filming Horror Attack on Schoolgirl—Is Social Media to Blame?; La Toya Jackson Sparks Health Concerns After New Photos Reveal Dramatic Weight Loss; Health Star Ratings May Become Mandatory as Industry Falls Short.
Leave a Reply