There is widespread online misinformation about health topics in India, particularly concerning cancer, reproductive health, vaccines, and lifestyle diseases, according to a new report. The report, titled “Health Misinformation Vectors in India,” was released at the Health of India Summit in New Delhi. It analyzed health-related social media content from October 2023 to November 2024.
The study, conducted by experts from DataLEADS’ Spotlight—a New Delhi-based digital media and technology company—and First Check, a global health fact-checking initiative, identified a growing trend of people rejecting conventional medicine in favor of unproven natural remedies. It also stressed how faith and local traditions influence healthcare choices.
The report identifies four key areas prone to misinformation: cancer, reproductive health, vaccines, and lifestyle diseases, including diabetes and obesity. It warns of the dangers posed by misinformation, such as poor medical decisions, treatment delays, and the erosion of trust in healthcare professionals.
“Health misinformation has far-reaching consequences, impacting medical decisions, delaying treatments, eroding trust, and even costing lives,” said Dr Sabba Mahmood, co-founder of First Check. The report stresses the vulnerability of individuals with serious illnesses, who are more likely to believe misleading claims.
Regarding reproductive health, the report stresses the unchecked promotion of unsafe abortion methods on social media. “Conversations about abortion through illegal and unproven methods that are often harmful and fatal go unchecked on nearly all social media platforms,” the report says.
It also notes the prevalence of videos offering advice on gender selection and male sexual dysfunction, cautioning that these often reinforce harmful gender biases. Experts recommend consulting medical professionals rather than relying on potentially harmful online advice.
The report also raises concerns about the rise of generative AI, such as chatbots, which makes detecting health misinformation more challenging. To address these issues, the authors urge policymakers to implement stricter regulations on online health content and enhance measures to combat misinformation. They also recommend training local health workers to counter misinformation and leveraging technology to promote accurate health information.