From TIME · Megan L. Ranney · · 2m
Why people believe health misinformation
A physician and researcher explains why even educated people fall for false health claims, and how empathy might help.
In brief
A physician and researcher explains why even educated people fall for false health claims, and how empathy might help. Research from Yale and Edelman Trust Institute shows seventy percent of people globally believe at least one unfounded health claim, often during moments of fear and uncertainty. Originally reported…
A pregnant doctor tries moxibustion
In November two thousand eight, eight months pregnant with a breech baby, the author searched online and found moxibustion, a smoldering herb, might help her daughter flip. Despite knowing there was limited peer-reviewed evidence, she tried it anyway.
“It couldn't hurt! Why not?”
Most people believe false health claims
New research from the Edelman Trust Institute and Yale School of Public Health tested six unfounded health claims about vaccines, raw milk, and fluoride. Seventy percent of thirteen thousand plus people surveyed globally believed at least one of these claims.
Education does not protect you
Most people who believed these unfounded claims had taken a university-level or higher science course. Susceptibility to misinformation did not fall neatly along partisan or generational lines, affecting young and old, left and right.
Fear and uncertainty drive belief
People are most likely to believe unfounded health claims during moments of fear and uncertainty when their life or a loved one's is on the line. Those who frequently interacted with the health care system were more than fifty percent more likely to hold three or more unfounded beliefs.
People turn to AI and friends
When facing complicated or persistent illness, people encounter ambiguous tests, treatments that do not work, and disagreeing specialists. They keep searching online, turn to friends, or increasingly rely on AI. Nearly half of survey respondents believe someone without medical training who is fluent with AI can perform health tasks as well as or better than a doctor.
Empathy and listening build trust
People are more likely to accept good advice when they believe their concerns are truly heard. Nearly half of respondents said they had seen doctors or medical experts build bridges and grow trust by taking concerns seriously, understanding their community, and listening actively.
“People crave empathy, humility, and active listening.”
Understanding human need for control
The author's daughter eventually flipped weeks later, likely not from mugwort. What she was actually seeking was agency and control during uncertainty. Understanding that impulse to find certainty and answers is deeply human gives us a better chance of helping people find answers they can trust.
The takeaway
Research from Yale and Edelman Trust Institute shows seventy percent of people globally believe at least one unfounded health claim, often during moments of fear and uncertainty.
