Our Complicated Relationship with "Health" Influencers

Feb 12, 2024

As I gear up for Tulane University's 5th Biennial Black Women's Health Conference in New Orleans, LA, this Saturday, there's a crucial topic I want to dive into with our fantastic community - the world of health influencers.

Now, hold on – this isn't about throwing shade. There are incredible physicians, coaches, and advocates doing commendable work. Check out my latest book reviews of The Body Liberation Project by Chrissy King and Fearing the Black Body by Dr. Sabrina Strings – solid evidence that there are genuine influencers I highly admire.

But, as I craft my presentation, I can't ignore the fact that there are some influencers I once held in high regard but not anymore. Let's keep it real – the issue is the lack of explicit disclosure about their paid endorsements, a severe conflict of interest. I'll spill the tea on Saturday, but here's the quick rundown - not disclosing those coins they're getting for endorsements is a big no-no.

Why am I bringing this up? Because it's not about influencers making money. I agree with the FTC that keeping those paid endorsements on the down low could lead to seriously misguided beliefs and decisions among their followers. The FTC thought it was such a big deal that in November of 2023, they served warning letters to influencers and trade associations about inadequate disclosures in their social media posts.

Let's be clear – I'm not here to drag anyone. But we gotta talk about the complex relationship many of us have with health influencers.

Why Is Our Relationship With Health Influencers So Complicated?

Since 2020, we've seen how digital and social media are powerhouses for spreading health info. But it's a double-edged sword. Back in December 2019, I got hit with a double whammy – diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome just three months before the world went into COVID-19 lockdown. The uncertainty was real, and I quarantined until more information came out.

Yet, during that time, some influencers I respected went all in, criticizing those who chose to quarantine and spreading misinformation about the pandemic and vaccinations. When confronted, they didn't own up to it. Talk about disappointing. It made me skeptical. Before 2020, I took influencers at their word. After, I started asking for receipts and doing my research. We can't just take things at face value anymore.

This Is Why Digital Health Literacy is Vital

For all these reasons, we need to acknowledge the impact of digital and social media on our health perceptions. Enter digital health literacy (DHL) – the power to find, understand, evaluate, and apply health info from digital sources (Patil, 2021). It's a must-have skill for navigating the wild digital health landscape.

1. DHL is Critical for Evaluation of Online Information

As healthcare providers, let's support our clients in critically evaluating online info. Not all sources are legit, and we must distinguish between evidence-based info and well-intentioned but misguided advice. Let's be skillful and avoid spreading misinformation that could worsen existing disparities.

2. DHL and Cultural Competence Go Hand In Hand

Understanding the cultural nuances shaping health perceptions in the Black community is crucial. DHL isn't just about medical jargon – it's about awareness of the cultural, social, and historical factors contributing to health disparities. Providers can tailor our approach to Black women's unique needs with this knowledge.

3. DHL Fosters Empathy Through Digital Connections

Digital platforms are our playground for connecting with clients on a personal level. Let's use them to build trust, bridging the gap between traditional healthcare and the lived experiences of Black women. In our quest to address the digital divide, digital connections can be powerful tools for fostering a supportive and inclusive healthcare environment.

Digital and Social Media Can Be a Positive Influence Too

As healthcare providers on a mission to dismantle disparities, let's recognize the influence of digital and social media on health perceptions. Embracing digital health literacy equips us to navigate the digital landscape effectively, delivering equitable, informed, and personalized care to Black women.

Join Me at the Black Women's Health Conference

In our collective journey to enhance Black women's health, I invite you to join me at Tulane University's 5th Biennial Black Women's Health Conference in New Orleans, LA, this Saturday, February 17th. This free event is a space for transformative discussions, knowledge exchange, and building a network dedicated to advancing healthcare equity. Let's forge alliances, share insights, and work together toward a more inclusive and empathetic future in healthcare.

Reference

Patil, U., Kostareva, U., Hadley, M., Manganello, J. A., Okan, O., Dadaczynski, K., Massey, P. M., Agner, J., & Sentell, T. (2021). Health Literacy, Digital Health Literacy, and COVID-19 Pandemic Attitudes and Behaviors in U.S. College Students: Implications for Interventions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(6), 3301. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063301