Social media influencers shape memorable health messages for young adults

What is the focus of your current research, and why is it important?

What inspired this line of inquiry?

What are some key findings or developments so far?

Memorable health messages were both problematic and empowering. Some promoted universal health prescriptions like using mouth tape to change the shape of your jaw, drinking 2 cups of spearmint tea per day to help with PCOS, or avoiding seed oils. Others promoted autonomy in health such as viewing health as holistic and seeing mental health as a part of overall well being.

How could this work potentially impact the field or the wider public?

What are the next steps or upcoming milestones in your research?

Digital health literacy interventions, including platforms on social media dedicated to teaching digital health literacy are crucial. Interventions and training should take the form of short form content and be posted on TikTok and Instagram. As a content creator myself, I actively share my research findings in this space with a following of over 34,000 followers. We need more scientists online.

Source:

University of Delaware

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