KFF Health Information and Trust Tracking Poll: Health Information and Advice on Social Media

Survey research on American public finds that over half of American adults, including higher numbers of young adults, and Black and Hispanic adults report occasionally using social media for health information and advice. Health information – notably on the topics of weight loss, nutrition, and diet – also reaches audiences who report never using social media for health information. Approximately 15% (or 1 in 6) report social media influencers are a regular source for health information and advice. People who reported regularly using social media for health information and advice, approximately one third rely on the health content from a particular influencer.