Health misinformation, disinformation and malinformation are health messages that are false, wrong or misleading. They can affect the choices people make and may put their own health or the health of others at risk.
These types of messages can spread quickly through social media, websites, messaging apps, news outlets and everyday conversations, making it easier for false information to reach large amounts of people.
False or misleading health information is like a virus that can spread and have real health consequences. That’s why it’s important to learn the difference between what’s true and what’s false, so we can make better decisions about our health:
Following misinformation advice may result in you taking a product that is unproven or unregulated and ends up making you sick. Disinformation may prevent you from taking evidence-based health actions, such as not getting a recommended vaccine or screening test, making you miss out on something important for keeping you healthy.
We all need to do our part to help stop the spread of false information.
False or misleading health information is becoming more common and can impact the decisions people make about their health. Whether it’s shared intentionally or by mistake, it can spread quickly online and through everyday conversations, making it harder to know what information to trust.
Recent research shows:
While anyone can be exposed to false or misleading information, everyone can take steps to reduce its impact. Learning how to identify reliable health information and turning to trusted sources can help you make informed decisions for yourself and your family.
News Media Canada developed a SPOT method that can help you decide whether health information may be true or false.
Use the SPOT method to identify false health information:
Is the information coming from a credible, reputable source? Don’t forget, your social networks may spread false or misleading information.
Find the original source and learn who they are and what they do. For health information, check if it is provided by qualified health professionals or reputable organizations.
Look for credentials and affiliations and make sure that they’re an authority on a relevant topic. Always verify claims against scientific research and evidence.
Think critically and look for different viewpoints on a topic. Ask yourself if:
Remember, just because you don’t agree with a particular viewpoint, doesn’t make it biased. Consider if your own beliefs could affect your judgement.
Be your own fact-checker. Look to see if multiple, credible sources are reporting the same facts.
Check when the information was originally shared. Be aware that sometimes people share old information, facts, photos or videos to take advantage of a current event or announcement.
If you’re ever unsure about a health care topic, you can always talk to a health care provider like a doctor, nurse practitioner, pharmacist or dentist. You can also call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24/7 for free, confidential advice or chat online.
For trusted health advice, the first step should always be to talk to a health care provider, like a doctor, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, or dentist. They are trained to provide accurate, up to date and personalized health guidance.
Sometimes we may turn to the internet for information. When doing so, look for health information on the websites of municipal, provincial, or federal government agencies or well-known health institutions. The Canadian Medical Association has some helpful tips on how to tell if a person online is a reliable health expert or a fake.
Trusted organizations are transparent about what they know, explain what they’re still learning, cite scientific evidence, and update their guidance as new information becomes available.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can help summarize information, but they can also provide inaccurate or outdated health advice.
Do not use AI as a substitute for trusted health sources or advice from a health care provider.
Health information can be confusing, especially when new research comes out or different opinions are shared online. Asking questions is part of making informed decisions. The important thing is knowing where to find trustworthy answers.
Public health agencies consist of community health experts ranging from social workers and epidemiologists to nurses, physicians and more. Think of public health as your community doctor:
Websites of well-known medical schools, hospitals and professional health organizations are also trustworthy, including:
Everyone has a role to play in stopping the spread of false or misleading health information. Here are easy actions you can take.
You can help protect yourself and those around you by:
Help students develop lifelong digital literacy skills by:
Health care providers are trusted sources of information and can help by:
Accurate reporting helps build public trust. Media professionals can:
Governments and public health organizations can help by:
Toronto Public Health’s “Trust the Experts” campaign helps Torontonians navigate the health information they encounter online, on social media and through everyday conversations, and offers people simple, practical tools to navigate this information.
Good health decisions start with trusted, credible information. Pause. Check the source. Ask questions. Talk to a health care provider you trust. Toronto Public Health is here to help you find reliable, evidence-based health information.