The Spread of Health Misinformation on Social Media: Implications for Public Trust and Policy Response

Authors: Kelvin Bribena PhD

Affiliation: Faculty of Law, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Corresponding Author: [email protected]

June 11, 2026

SIAR-Global Journal of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Review

Zenodo DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20649589

Crossref DOI: 10.66694/siar.gjmpr2026005

The Spread of Health Misinformation on Social Media: Implications for Public Trust and Policy Response

Review Article Medicine

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of health misinformation on social media has emerged as a significant public health challenge, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. False claims about the virus, treatments, and vaccines have spread widely across platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp, influencing public perception, behaviour, and trust in health authorities. This study examined the mechanisms through which health misinformation propagates online, its behavioural and societal consequences, and the effectiveness of policy and regulatory interventions. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research combines qualitative content analysis of social media posts, forums, and news articles with quantitative surveys and behavioural analysis to measure exposure to misinformation and its impact on vaccine hesitancy and adherence to preventive measures. The findings indicate that emotionally salient misinformation spreads more rapidly, with influential figures and peer networks amplifying its effects. Exposure to misinformation correlates strongly with increased vaccine hesitancy, reduced compliance with preventive health behaviours, and diminished trust in public health institutions. The study also highlighted the ethical and legal tensions in regulating misinformation, the role of platform accountability, and the importance of culturally tailored digital literacy and behavioural interventions. Recommendations include strengthening digital citizenship, enhancing platform transparency, implementing evidence-based behavioural nudges, and fostering community engagement to restore trust and improve public health compliance. Overall, this research underscores the urgent need for coordinated, multi-stakeholder strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of online health misinformation and ensure that social media contributes positively to public health outcomes.

Keywords

Health misinformation, social media, COVID-19, vaccine hesitancy, public trust, behavioural outcomes, digital literacy, fact-checking, platform accountability, public health policy.

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Kelvin Bribena PhD (2026). The Spread of Health Misinformation on Social Media: Implications for Public Trust and Policy Response. SIAR-Global Journal of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Review, Vol. 2, No. 1. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20649589

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The Spread of Health Misinformation on Social Media: Implications for Public Trust and Policy Response

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SIAR-Global Journal of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Review