Medical misinformation spreads like wildfire. Not because people are stupid. Not because they hate science. But because our brains are susceptible to it. Very susceptible, in fact.

People who share medical claims such as “this is bad for your gut” or “natural is always safer” are often doing something clever: tapping into how people think, rather than what is actually true. And it works. All too well.

Our brain seeks something to hold on to, not the truth

In theory, we want facts. In practice, we want peace of mind.

Our brain is designed to make quick decisions and avoid danger. It does not seek objective truth, but rather:

• Comprehensibility
• Predictability
• Safety

Science isn’t very good at this. It’s slow, uncertain and nuanced. Misinformation, on the other hand? Clear. Unambiguous. Emotionally satisfying. And that is precisely why misinformation so often wins out over reality. Pay particular attention to the following four points!

1. “It sounds logical”

Chronic illnesses, mental health issues and physical symptoms are rarely the result of a single cause. Yet a simple cause-and-effect narrative sells better than the truth: that the situation is complex, and sometimes remains uncertain.

Logic without evidence is comforting, and people are very susceptible to it.

2. Repetition makes it familiar

Social media is not a neutral platform. It rewards repetition, emotion and simplicity.

What you often see:

• Sounds familiar
• Feels safe
• That rings true

But repetition is not proof. It is an algorithmic trick that exploits a cognitive bias: the illusory truth effect. The more often you hear something, the less critical your brain becomes. No matter how clever you are. If you keep scraping that layer off, the moisture will evaporate quickly.

3. The sender feels close

Authority is increasingly perceived rather than proven. An influencer is not an expert, and being recognisable does not mean being trustworthy. We trust people who are like us. Who speak our language. Who articulate our frustrations. That feels human. But this says nothing about knowledge. Just because someone speaks, it doesn’t automatically mean they’re right. And just because someone sounds convincing, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re right.

4. People believe out of hope

People believe medical myths because they:

• Feeling that one is not being listened to
• To be uncertain
• Seeking hope
• Wanting to take control of their health

That calls for a proper conversation. Anyone who tries to counter misinformation with facts alone is bound to fail. You also need to present this information in a way that is relatable and human.

So what does work?

Effective communication in healthcare is in line with the way people think.

That means:

• Explaining how science works (including uncertainty)
• Normalising Nuance
• Teaching people how to read sources
• Acknowledging uncertainty without offering false reassurance
• Keeping the conversation going, even when things get a bit rough

In other words, don’t shout any louder – listen more carefully!

How do you tackle misinformation?

Medical misinformation feels convincing because it taps into human needs. That makes it dangerous, but also understandable. Anyone who takes health seriously looks not only at what people believe, but why. And that is exactly where better communication begins.

How do you go about tackling this problem?

Please let us know by email

Or discuss matters with other professionals in our Facebook groups: HFL Professionals & FungiSmart Professionals

Medical misinformation often sounds convincing, but facts ultimately make the difference. Do you want to be sure which information is reliable, or do you have any questions about our products and the science behind them? Please feel free to contact us via info@hfllaboratories.com.