Influencers spreading sexual health misinformation: Study

News Young people’s tendency to source contraception advice from social media, rather than doctors, has public health experts concerned. Around 74% of tracked social media

influencers said they had discontinued or planned to discontinue using hormonal contraception. When seeking advice on contraception or sexual health, a visit to the GP would seem

the apparent path.   But a new US study suggests that for many young people, the first port of call is actually a growing online presence of social media influencers who

are more likely to provide advice around ceasing hormonal contraception based on unsubstantiated research than information on safe sex.   Melbourne GP and long-time

advocate for tackling online medical misinformation Dr Preeya Alexander, told newsGP she is ‘not at all surprised’ by the study’s findings.   ‘I’ve had lots of

people tell me that shared stories on social media have led them to question the use of contraceptives like the COCP [combined oral contraceptive pill] or IUD,’ she said.  

  ‘I see this play out on social media constantly and in my own consulting room.   ‘While the patient has no issues with the device and is low risk for

complications, social media makes them question their choice.’   The influencers tracked by the study all had between 20,000 and 2.2 million followers, and talked

about their experiences with contraception, including hormonal contraceptive pills, injections and implants, and non-hormonal contraception such as condoms and fertility tracker

apps.   Even though the majority (92%) said they were currently using or had used hormonal contraception, nearly three quarters said they discontinued or planned to

discontinue, with the main reasons cited as ‘to be more natural’ and to improve their mental health.   Previous studies have examined the connection between hormonal

birth control and depression, but the researchers say it remains unclear.   According to the study, around 40% of the influencers said they were using, or had used,

non-hormonal birth control, with fertility trackers the most popular method.   Lead author, Emily Pfender from the Department of Communication at the University of

Delaware, said the reliance on using fertility trackers for contraception is ‘potentially harmful’.   ‘Tracking cycles may not be as effective at preventing

pregnancy as hormonal birth control,’ she said.   ‘What young viewers don’t see in influencer content is the amount of effort and meticulous planning that goes