
Health tips from the feed: a doctor's take on social media and AI
A CNN interview with Dr. Leana Wen highlights a new study showing social media is a major source of health information (about 88% of adults used it in the past year; roughly 47 million base health decisions on online content), yet most users (78%) doubt the accuracy of what they see. Wen explains why people turn to social platforms—speed, accessibility, and peer stories—and warns that AI can generate confident but potentially misleading guidance. The piece urges readers to verify information with trusted sources (physicians, public health agencies, reputable organizations), beware of quick-fix claims and paid promotions, and discuss online guidance with a clinician. AI and social media can be valuable educational tools and support for chronic conditions, but they should not replace evidence-based medical advice.












