Medical myths online: a survey of 5,000 Canadians shows trust despite reported harms

A Canadian Medical Association survey of 5,000 people found about 65% encountered false or misleading health information online, and respondents who followed AI health advice were more likely to report harms.

A patient advocate’s encounter with unproven cancer claims helped prompt renewed attention to medical misinformation online. The Canadian Medical Association released a Health and Media Tracking Survey of 5,000 Canadians that explored where people get health information and how they respond to it. The survey found many people turn to online sources because they find them faster or easier to access than medical professionals. Medical leaders said the findings raise concerns about how misinformation and AI-driven advice are influencing health decisions. Key findings: - The survey sampled 5,000 Canadians in an online poll. - About 65% reported encountering false or misleading health information online. - 33% said misinformation about their health led to confusion about how to proactively care for their health. - Only 27% said they trust AI for health information, though younger adults were more likely to use it. - Respondents who followed AI health advice were reported as five times more likely to say they experienced harms. - About three-quarters of respondents expressed concern about an increase in false health information coming from the U.S. Summary: The survey indicates widespread exposure to online medical myths and a notable association between following AI health advice and reported harms. The Canadian Medical Association is calling on governments to work with health providers to ensure AI tools offer reliable information and to invest in domestic health information and greater access to primary care. Undetermined at this time.