A new survey conducted by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) reveals an alarming increase in health misinformation across Canada. The survey, conducted between November 12 and November 19, 2024, shows that 62% of respondents encountered false or misleading health information over the past year. This marks an 8% increase from the previous year's data, highlighting a concerning trend in the dissemination of inaccurate health news.
The survey further indicates that social media serves as a primary source of news for younger generations, with 58% of Gen Z and 37% of millennial respondents relying on these platforms. As a result, 43% of Canadians are highly susceptible to misinformation, contributing to a general decline in trust toward health news in the country.
A significant portion of the population places the responsibility for safeguarding against health misinformation on Health Canada, with 73% of respondents expressing this belief. Misconceptions remain pervasive, as evidenced by 35% of survey participants falsely believing that a healthy lifestyle alone can prevent cancer. Moreover, despite the World Health Organization's advisory against using hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment, such myths continue to circulate.
The survey also explores beliefs around modern technology, with 21% of respondents mistakenly associating 5G technology with cancer causation and another 22% uncertain about its effects. When it comes to scientific claims, only 11% of respondents express unwavering trust in statements based on scientific studies. A more cautious approach is evident among 47% of participants who usually trust scientific claims but prefer to consult additional sources.
Misinformation expert Tim Caulfield expressed his concern over the survey's findings, underscoring the extent to which individuals believe false information.
"If you have a clinically identified deficiency and your family physician talks to you about supplements, that's a different story than the massive supplement industry that's promising all these miracle cures," – Caulfield
In contrast, Yammine remarks on the complexity of dealing with misinformation and its appeal due to providing straightforward answers to complex questions.
"That's why misinformation is so challenging to deal with, because it's giving blatant answers that aren't true to things that people really, really want answers for." – Yammine
Caulfield's observations align with Holland's statement regarding the gravity of misinformation's impact on public health.
"Misinformation and disinformation [are] an existential threat to public health." – Holland
Holland emphasizes the importance of adhering to scientific guidance to avoid detrimental outcomes.
"We can have the best solutions, the best guidance, the best tools, but if people aren't adhering to scientific guidance, then we're going to have extremely bad outcomes." – Holland
Yammine discusses the importance of critically evaluating information sources and recognizing when skepticism is justified.
"Someone could have a really valid distrust in government institutions because they're part of a group that's faced a lot of systemic racism. It's not wrong for them to be skeptical [about] something that the government puts out about their health when the government hasn't cared about their health in the past," – Yammine
