Social Media Platforms Top Source Of Health Information For 15 to 30-Year-Olds: Study

Posted: June 5, 2024

Recent research conducted by Real Chemistry has shed light on a concerning trend: a significant increase in late-stage cancer diagnoses among young people, coupled with a decline in cancer screenings following the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to these alarming findings, Michelle Dunst, MD of integrated intelligence at Real Chemistry, spearheaded an in-depth investigation to understand the underlying factors and explore potential avenues for change. The resulting report, unveiled ahead of the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, underscores the pivotal role of tailored influencer marketing in driving increased cancer screenings among young individuals.

The report’s findings emphasize the influential role of social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, as primary sources of health information for individuals aged 15 to 30. Notably, the report highlights the impact of visually engaging content, particularly #GRWM (Get Ready With Me) videos on TikTok, in motivating individuals to undergo cancer screenings. Furthermore, the report underscores the significant contribution of women influencers in initiating conversations about cancer, particularly breast cancer, and driving engagement around cancer screenings.

The influence of social media influencers, including celebrities and micro-influencers, in promoting cancer screenings is a key focal point of the report. It reveals that a substantial majority of individuals surveyed expressed a willingness to inquire about health-related content from influencers and demonstrated trust in pharmaceutical brands endorsed by influencers. Notable examples, such as Chrissy Teigen’s candid documentation of her colonoscopy experience and Olivia Munn’s advocacy for early cancer detection, underscore the potential of influencers to positively impact public health outcomes.

The rise of TikTok health trends, in particular, has shown how top health influencers can harness the platform’s unique format to disseminate critical health information effectively. These trends often feature influencers sharing personal health journeys, wellness tips, and preventive measures, which resonate strongly with younger audiences. This highlights the broader social media impact on health, showcasing how these platforms can be leveraged to promote proactive health behaviors.

Additionally, the report underscores the importance of a strategic approach to influencer marketing, highlighting the significance of factors such as reach, relevance, resonance, and recency in identifying effective influencers. It points out how micro- and nano-influencers can drive engagement within niche communities and rare oncology segments, particularly on platforms like TikTok. This approach aligns with the broader theme of social media effects on healthcare, demonstrating how tailored digital strategies can lead to better health outcomes.

Ultimately, the report’s conclusions underscore the transformative potential of a targeted influencer marketing approach in driving increased cancer screenings and positively impacting patient outcomes. By leveraging the influential reach of social media influencers, particularly in the realm of health advocacy, the report advocates for a proactive and strategic approach to harnessing the power of influencer marketing to address critical public health concerns.