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Study Finds Many Americans Get Health Information From Social Media Influencers
A new study reports that a substantial portion of Americans turn to social media influencers for health and wellness information. ABC News Live presented the data on May 8, 2026. Dr. Alok Patel said he is not surprised by the findings.
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A new study has found that many Americans receive health and wellness information from social media influencers. ABC News Live reported the data on May 8, 2026. The coverage included comments from Dr. Alok Patel, who stated he is not surprised by the results.
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The study highlights the growing role of influencers in shaping public understanding of health topics. This shift occurs as consumers increasingly access content through platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Health and wellness represent popular categories for social media content. Many users encounter advice on topics ranging from nutrition and fitness to mental health and supplements directly from influencers who often lack formal medical credentials.
The study provides specific data on how frequently Americans consult these sources compared with traditional medical professionals. ABC News Live broke down the numbers during its broadcast. Dr. Alok Patel reviewed the findings and offered his perspective.
He said the trend aligns with broader changes in how people seek and consume information. " — Dr. Medical organizations have previously noted both benefits and risks associated with this information channel. What happens next will likely involve continued monitoring by public health agencies and platforms to assess the impact on public health decisions.
