Perceptions of health misinformation on social media: patterns and predictors

Determine factors associated with perceived amount of health misinformation when using social media.

Secondary analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey 7 (HINTS 7). US adults 18 years and older completed surveys in 2024 (N = 7,278). Participants with complete data for all variables were included for analysis (N = 4,741). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify correlates of interest for how much health misinformation participants saw when using social media. "A lot" and "some" responses were compared to "a little" and "none." As a sensitivity analysis, "a lot" was compared to all other responses combined.

Higher odds of perceiving "a lot/some" misinformation were observed among adults aged 50-64 years and 65-74 years (vs. 18-34 years), college graduates (vs. non-college graduates), and incomes of $50,000-$99,999 and $100,000 or more (vs. $0-$19,999). Lower odds were identified in Black and Hispanic (vs. White) participants and those who agreed (vs. disagreed) their social media network had the same views on health. Odds of perceiving "a lot" of misinformation were higher in adults aged 50-64 years and college graduates. Lower odds were found in those who: were Black and Hispanic, agreed their social media network had similar health views, had higher trust in the healthcare system, and disagreed (vs. neutral) to a strong sense of ethnic group belonging.

Perceived health misinformation on social media varies by sociodemographic characteristics, trust in the healthcare system, and alignment of health views within social media networks.