Trust of social media content and risk of making misinformed decisions: Survey of people affected by cancer and their caregivers

Abstract

Background: This study explores social media (SM) usage and trust in information among cancer patients and their caregivers. We compare socio-demographic characteristics to identify groups more likely to rely on social media for treatment decisions and those less inclined to validate social media information with their provider.

Methods: A national survey of people diagnosed with cancer and those who were caregivers to people diagnosed with cancer was conducted via online survey in November-December 2021. Socio-demographic factors associated with respondents' use of SM and comfort disclosing SM use were assessed using logistic regression.

Findings: Out of 262 respondents, 65% were likely to use SM to make decisions about lifestyle changes, cancer screening, vaccination, cancer treatment, medical testing, or choosing a provider. SM users were younger (OR_adj = 0.11, p < 0.01), identified as Black (OR_adj = 10.19, p < 0.01), and had less education (OR_adj = 0.86, p = 0.02). Those with less education reported not being comfortable discussing SM with their providers (OR_adj = 1.25, p_adj = 0.01).

Discussion: Results contribute new understanding of the digital divide, highlighting the need for not only improving access to digital information but also the need for a supportive environment that provides patients with dependable methods to verify the authenticity of the information they encounter.

Keywords: Cancer misinformation; Disparities; Medical decision making; Social media.

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

Percent of respondents who trusted social media “a lot” or “some” by type of SM. The category “Others” allowed respondents to type in any source of their choice, the most frequent answers included: google or other online sources, friends, family, and offline resources.

Fig. 2

Percent of respondents who were “likely” or “somewhat likely” to use social media by decision type.

Fig. 3

The percentage of respondents “likely” or “somewhat likely” to use social media, by respondent characteristics. Total sample includes those who are likely to use SM: n = 171; Age tertiles include: 0–25% <30 y.o; 25–75% 31–45 y.o.; 75–100% >45 y.o; Income tertiles include: 0–25% less than $25,000; 25–75% between $25,000 – $50,000; 75–100% more than $50,000; * indicates significance level at p < 0.05.

Fig. 4

The percentage of respondents who reported feeling “very comfortable” or “somewhat comfortable” sharing information from social media with their healthcare providers, by respondent characteristics. Total sample includes those who are likely to use SM: n = 171; Age tertiles include: 0–25% <18–30 y.o; 25–75% 31–45 y.o.; 75–100% >45–89 y.o; Income tertiles include: 0–25% less than $25,000; 25–75% between $25,000 – $50,000; 75–100% more than $50,000; * indicates significance level at p < 0.05.