For some years now, social networks have been the ideal medium for launching news or recommendations of all kinds. However, if these “advice” are about health, that is where the alarm bells go off. Many fake doctors spread “fake news” about this or that disease. This represents a real problem for medicine and society in general.
Social networks as a means of learning
Millions of users concentrate according to their preferences on different social networks. There they can share photos, comments, recommendations and are also full of practical advice of all kinds. Many of them, provided by specialists and many others by ordinary users.
Thus, and being self-taught, you can learn about languages, how to disassemble an appliance, incredible crafts or how to knit that sweater that you like so much.
Fake doctors spread fake news
Health professionals also share valuable information. However, you have to be very careful. There are fake doctors who pose as professionals, and who hide in the anonymity of these platforms. They are people without scruples or qualifications who are in charge of spreading false news related to health.
With the massive arrival of artificial intelligence, the problem is much more serious. There are platforms and programs that allow the creation of avatars identical to a real person, which make medical claims that are not true.
For example, an image of a doctor saying that chia seeds are good for treating diabetes was spread on Facebook. The video went viral, receiving more than 40 thousand likes. In addition, 18 thousand users shared it.
The investigation showed that said doctor does not exist, he is a bot created with artificial intelligence. According to an investigation carried out by the German media outlet Deutsche Welle, the news spread is also false.
To make sure, the German media consulted diabetes specialist Andreas Fritsche from the University of Thuringen. Although chia seeds are viable for the health of people with diabetes or hypertension, they do not cure the disease as the fake doctor in the video predicts. At least, there is no scientific evidence to certify it.
Other news shared by fake doctors
On another of the most widespread social networks, Instagram, another doctor spread news about treating brain diseases. The “doctor”, also created using AI, stated that ingesting seven ground almonds, 10 grams of rock candy, 10 grams of fennel accompanied by hot milk for 40 days is the perfect cure for any brain disease.
The account through which the “fake news” was spread has 200 thousand followers and obtained 3,000 likes. Needless to say, the news spread is false.
In other cases they give advice for home treatments, to treat diseases or for personal care. According to scientists, it is advisable to start distrusting when you verify that the person offering the advice is a bot created by AI.
This problem is not new. During the Covid-19 pandemic, countless fake doctors gave advice and claimed to have a cure for the disease. Social networks are an incredible advance for society, although you have to be careful with the news that appears there.