Most Americans have trouble evaluating health information, survey finds

Health misinformation is widespread, and many consumers find it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction, a new KFF survey found.

“Most people aren’t true believers in the lies or the facts about health issues; they are in a muddled middle,” said Drew Altman, president and CEO of KFF. “The public’s uncertainty leaves them vulnerable to misinformation but is also the opportunity to combat it.”

Although most adults have heard or read many of the false and inaccurate health claims asked about in the survey, relatively small shares of the public have both heard and believe misinformation about central health topics such as COVID-19 and vaccines; reproductive health; and firearm violence and safety. Moreover, although some adults, when presented with false and inaccurate health misinformation, say they believe them to be definitely true, this is a relatively small share of the public.

Most adults are uncertain about various items of health misinformation and fall in a potentially “malleable middle” who say the claims are probably true or probably false. Although exposure to misinformation may not necessarily convert the public into ardently believing false health claims, it likely is adding to confusion and uncertainty about already complicated public health topics and may lead to decision paralysis when it comes to individual health care behaviors and choices. In any case, this malleable middle presents an opportunity for tailored interventions.

Some groups seem to be more susceptible to misinformation than others, with larger shares of Black and Hispanic adults, those with lower levels of educational attainment and those who identify politically as Republicans or lean that way saying many of the misinformation items examined in the poll are probably or definitely true. Media and other messengers can play key roles in efforts to address and to counter health misinformation. Local TV news and network news are among the most used news sources and also among the most likely to be trusted when it comes to health information.

Although many adults report frequently using social media, few said they would trust health information they may see on these platforms. Despite this, adults who frequently use social media to find health information and advice are more likely to believe that certain false statements about COVID-19 and reproductive health are definitely or probably true.

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“While many Americans struggle to separate health information fact from fiction, our survey shows that credible sources of information and messengers represent an opportunity to break through and help increase trust,” said Irving Washington, senior fellow for misinformation and trust at KFF. “We’ll continue to focus on this opportunity and what type of efforts can make a difference.”