To be a savvy health care consumer, Black folks need reliable information. These tips can help you figure out fact from fiction.
In a culture that profits from confusion, clarity is a form of protection — especially when it comes to health. From social media influencers promising overnight cures to underfunded clinics and biased algorithms, it’s easy to feel both overexposed to health content and under informed when it matters most.
For Black communities—and particularly Black women — navigating healthcare systems that have long ignored their needs requires self-advocacy and a heavy dose of reliable information. Women’s Health Month calls out an opportunity to examine how health is pursued, preserved and protected amid the noise.
Identifying Fact from Fiction
From TikTok tutorials to wellness podcasts, information about health is everywhere. But more is not always better. A 2020 Pew Research Center survey found that the majority of Americans blame social media for misinformation.
READ MORE: Fact or Fiction: Social Media Health Disinformation
In an environment where misinformation can be deadly, learning how to evaluate sources is a skill that serves everyone — and safeguards collective wellness.
For those seeking accurate, culturally competent guidance, these indicators can help assess reliability:
- Seek trusted health sources: Some reputable entities include global and academic leaders like the World Health Organization, Meharry Medical College, Johns Hopkins, and Harvard, as well as philanthropic sources like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Kaiser Health News. Community-based platforms such as BlackDoctor.org also provide culturally grounded insights tailored to the lived experiences of Black patients.You can also view our curated list of Black Health Resources and organizations.
- Transparency matters: Reliable content documents findings, avoids sensational language and doesn’t promise instant results.
- Cross-checking is key: If new health information is cited, compare it across several reputable platforms and consider reaching out to a licensed provider for context.
#HealthMisinformation#WellnessMatters #FactCheckHealth
