To fight medical misinformation, more doctors are becoming influencers

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By Julie Penfold

Frustrated by the rise and rapid spread of ill-founded health advice on social media, a growing number of doctors are fighting back with facts – one video at a time.

Health misinformation spreads fast, and with the rise of AI tools, ease of generating fake videos and growing scourge of fabricated research, it is only getting faster. On top of that, the algorithms that shape our online world prioritise “engaging” – often code for “controversial” – content above all else, meaning that anyone with an internet connection who is willing to put themselves out there can be an influencer.

Some doctors have decided to start fighting fire with fire – by becoming influencers themselves

At the same time, demand for medical information via non-traditional sources – from ChatGPT to TikTok – is also surging. According to a poll released in May 2026, 15% of people now go first to a chatbot for medical advice, a figure that is likely rising.