When considering healthcare, we traditionally envision a system involving face-to-face consultations with medical professionals. But in today’s digital era, individuals are increasingly turning to online platforms for health-related information, with YouTube emerging as a primary resource. A study published in BMC Public Health reveals that an astounding 87.6% of participants engage with health-related content on YouTube, and a significant portion, 84.7%, make health-related decisions influenced by what they watch.
The allure of YouTube health-related content (HRC) lies not only in its accessibility but also in the perceived usefulness by viewers. Contrary to expert evaluations, users find YouTube HRC videos helpful. Interestingly, popular video categories such as exercise and bodybuilding attract over half of the participants.
This trend is backed by a notable increase in U.S. adults consuming health-related YouTube content, from 39.7% in 2020 to 58.9% in 2022, as reported by the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). The platform serves not only as a source of information but also as a decision-making tool for viewers seeking support from others with similar health conditions, exploring medical procedures, or accessing health programs and services.
The implications of YouTube’s influence on health-related behaviors and decisions are substantial. Several studies highlight online health-related content’s effectiveness in assisting users with health decisions. For instance, Maria Bujnowska-Fedak and Paulina Wegierek’s research points to over 50% of surveyed users reporting that online content influenced their dietary and physical activity decisions.
Yet, the ease of accessing diverse and often unverified HRC on YouTube raises concerns about the quality and reliability of the information consumed. The platform’s “YouTube Health” initiative, which presents credible health content reviewed by recognized institutions like the National Academy of Medicine and World Health Organization, addresses this challenge by guiding users toward trustworthy sources.
Relevant articles:
– A new study reveals that 87.6% of people watch health-related content on YouTube, and 84.7% make decisions based on what they watch. Exercise and bodybuilding videos are the most popular. In contrast to evaluations by experts, most respondents perceive health videos on YouTube as useful.
– People often rely on YouTube videos to make health-related decisions, PsyPost, Mon, 25 Mar 2024 12:25:17 GMT
– Revolutionizing healthcare: the role of artificial intelligence in clinical practice, BMC Medical Education, Fri, 22 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT
– What is an Influencer? – Social Media Influencers Defined [Updated 2024], Influencer Marketing Hub, Wed, 14 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT