The organization representing Manitoba's physicians has launched its annual "Getting Healthy" campaign to combat the increasing spread of false medical information online. This effort, spearheaded by Doctors Manitoba, seeks to encourage Manitobans to focus on their well-being during the winter months. As part of the initiative, incentives are offered for individuals who pledge to improve their health. The organization's president, Dr. Randy Guzman, emphasized the challenges residents face in distinguishing credible medical information amid a growing wave of misinformation.
"It's harder than ever for Manitobans to improve their health … between the cold weather and winters and the rise of online medical misinformation," Dr. Guzman stated on Thursday. He further expressed concerns about the increasing difficulty in determining trustworthy sources in the realm of science and medicine.
Kara Brisson-Boivin, research director at MediaSmarts, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the blurring lines of expertise make it challenging to discern truth from falsehoods. Last fall, MediaSmarts reintroduced the North American house hippo—a fictional character once used to teach children skepticism about television content—to highlight the dangers posed by artificial intelligence in spreading misinformation.
Dr. Christen Rachul, who has conducted research on misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, noted the significant role sophisticated social media algorithms play in creating "silos" that perpetuate false information. According to Rachul, these algorithms enhance users' propensity to encounter misinformation repeatedly, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.
"The scientific and medical communities … determine best practice through consensus," remarked Dr. Rachul.
"[That] can sometimes bump up against individuals in positions of authority whose opinions may differ from the community's consensus, but … the most trusted sources of information for us are those large bodies of consensus." – Dr. Christen Rachul
In response to this pervasive issue, Doctors Manitoba aims to engage with patients who bring their own health suggestions, fostering an environment of open dialogue and understanding.
"There is a lot more patients coming with their own suggestions … which is not a bad thing," said Dr. Rachul.
"They have concerns. They want to figure out a way to be healthy and live well in the way that they want. So I think one of the biggest things that physicians can do is just to engage in that conversation … and just kind of coming to that understanding with a bit more empathy and actual openness." – Dr. Christen Rachul
A survey commissioned by the Canadian Medical Association revealed that 43 percent of Canadians are highly susceptible to believing misinformation. Additionally, 37 percent of respondents admitted resorting to online sources for health information due to lack of access to a doctor.
Amidst this landscape, U.S. lawmakers questioned President Trump's nominee for a senior health position over his past endorsement of debunked theories. This scrutiny comes as Meta plans to terminate its fact-checking program in the United States following Trump's election.
The margin for error in the survey cannot be precisely determined due to its online nature. However, a comparable probability-based random sample of similar size would have a margin of error of plus or minus 1.96 percent, 19 times out of 20.
Dr. Guzman stressed that misinformation was particularly concerning during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic but has since become even more rampant. He reiterated the necessity for credible sources and reliable medical guidance as individuals navigate complex health decisions.
"It can appear very highly credible and leave people vulnerable to avoiding proven approaches to prevent and treat medical conditions, or trying things that actually can be dangerous to one's health." – Dr. Christen Rachul
To promote accurate health practices and incentivize positive lifestyle changes, this year's grand prize for the "Getting Healthy" campaign is a trip for two to Churchill.
