Health reporting in the media can be valuable, but it often contributes to misinformation, bias, or even false claims.
Most people learn about medical advances through news outlets, yet the information shared can be misleading. Sensational headlines, exaggerated claims, and conflicting stories can create confusion or even cause harm. The issue isn’t the science itself—it’s often how the media presents it and how the public understands it.
When evaluating health news, keep the following in mind:
- Watch for bias or sensationalism in the reporting
- Medicine rarely deals in absolutes—few things are 100% certain
- Research findings in one group may not apply to everyone
