The dangers of taking advice from social media
With commentary from Danielle Svensson, Clinical Nutritionist, Chronic Health Professional and Anni Ambassador
Social media advice has negatively impacted a quarter of Australians. From purchasing expensive and ineffective skincare products, to getting hurt in the process of jumping onboard a trend - and - everything in between. But what makes advice given by social media influencers so harmful?
We spoke with Clinical Nutritionist and Anni Expert Danielle Svensson to get her opinion on why social media advice can be dangerous.
Firstly, not all social media is bad
“Social media is a highly convenient and easily accessible platform, and much of the general advice is free. Used in the right way for positive engagement and connection, social media has normalised otherwise hidden health experiences and issues, opening conversations and discussions, sharing resources to raise awareness and developing safe and supportive communities and networks - and that benefit cannot be denied,” says Danielle.
“Many qualified health practitioners are doing incredible things through sharing their knowledge and skills across social media platforms. The most reliable sources are usually those professionals who openly share their qualifications and credentials with their audience. Their content is often research and evidence-based, and provided in a tactful and educational manner,” she advises.
The risk of seeking advice from social media
“The concern is not accessing true, trusted and personalised advice from a qualified health practitioner before making changes to such core parts of our lifestyle as it may bring about greater health risks. Social media in particular has the ability to shape our behaviours and attitudes with a wealth of generalised, misleading or false advice. In both the short and long term, it may have undesirable consequences for our health,” observes Danielle.
“If you have noticed a new symptom that is impacting your day-to-day function, or are experiencing a worsening of your symptoms, time is critical in preventing further complications to your health. Similarly, chronic health conditions require appropriate in-depth consultation and review of treatment approaches. This simply cannot be achieved through generalised health advice on social media.”
How can Anni help?
Anni has a trusted network of health and wellness experts easily accessible, anytime, anywhere. Through a highly personalised and tailored experience, Anni is a platform for people to engage with health professionals who can best answer their health and wellbeing-related questions and provide qualified guidance and advice.
Want to learn more about nutrition or have a chronic health issue you’re struggling with? Book a consultation with Anni Expert Danielle @danielle_functionalnutrition today to walk away with the tools and strategies you need to reach your goals and improve your health.
Want to better understand how you can improve your health and diet today? Book a session with an Anni Expert nutritionist now and make this the year you feel healthier than ever!
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About taking advice from social media:
Taking advice from social media can be dangerous due to the prevalence of misinformation and inaccurate advice. Risks include following unsafe health trends and making decisions based on unreliable sources. It's crucial to recognize the pitfalls of social media advice and seek information from credible and trusted experts. By identifying misinformation on social platforms and understanding the consequences of bad advice, you can make informed decisions and prioritize your well-being. Always verify advice with reliable sources to avoid the negative impact of social media misinformation.
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