From Hashtags to Diagnoses: How Influencers Are Reshaping Healthcare Through Personal Stories

Written by Ehrun Omuemu, PharmD 2027

February 10, 2025

From Hashtags to Diagnoses: How Influencers Are Reshaping Healthcare Through Personal Stories

In today’s digital age, influencers are no longer just shaping fashion trends or promoting the latest gadgets—they’re making waves in healthcare. From Instagram to TikTok, social media influencers are sharing deeply personal health journeys, and their stories are resonating with millions. For many, these relatable narratives are becoming a starting point for understanding their health concerns, leading to self-advocacy and even diagnoses. This shift marks a new era in healthcare, where personal stories and peer connections are as influential as traditional medical advice.

One of the most significant ways influencers are impacting healthcare is through the power of relatability. When someone shares their experience with a chronic illness, mental health struggle, or rare condition, it often strikes a chord with followers who see themselves in those stories. For example, a TikTok creator detailing their journey with endometriosis might inspire someone to recognize similar symptoms in themselves and seek medical help. Through social media, patients can join virtual communities, participate in research, receive financial or moral support, set goals, and track personal progress1.

This trend is particularly impactful for conditions that are often misunderstood or underdiagnosed. Conditions like ADHD, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune diseases frequently go unnoticed because their symptoms can be vague or dismissed. Influencers sharing their experiences are helping to bridge this gap, empowering others to advocate for themselves. A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that patients who engaged with health-related social media content were more likely to ask their doctors targeted questions, leading to more accurate diagnoses2.

Reputable health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are increasingly collaborating with influencers to disseminate accurate health information. A groundbreaking example is the recent partnership between the WHO and TikTok, highlighted in a September 2024 article titled "WHO and TikTok to collaborate on more science-based information on health and well-being"³. This collaboration aims to ensure that health content on the platform is rooted in science, helping to combat misinformation while amplifying trustworthy resources.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, influencers partnered with organizations like the WHO to share vaccine information and debunk myths. These efforts have set a precedent for how social media can be used to promote public health. Surveys also highlight the growing trust in influencer-driven health content. According to research by Healthline Media, 44% of people with a health condition value the advice or opinion of a health influencer. Among those who value them, an overwhelming 98% value and 99% trust their advice This trust is crucial, as it encourages people to take actionable steps toward their health.

While the impact of influencers on healthcare is largely positive, it’s not without risks. Misinformation can spread quickly, and not all influencers have the expertise to provide accurate advice. This underscores the importance of critical thinking and cross-referencing information with trusted sources like the Mayo Clinic or the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Partnerships like the one between the WHO and TikTok are essential in creating a safer digital environment for health-related content.³

Influencers are undeniably changing the way people approach healthcare. By sharing their stories, they’re fostering a sense of community and empowering individuals to take control of their health. In a world where hashtags can lead to diagnoses, the future of healthcare is becoming more personal, relatable, and accessible than ever before.

References:

1. Marcio von Muhlen, Lucila Ohno-Machado, Reviewing social media use by clinicians, Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, Volume 19, Issue 5, September 2012, Pages 777–781, https://doi.org/10.1136/amiajnl-2012-000990

2.  Forgie E, Lai H, Cao B, Stroulia E, Greenshaw A, Goez H Social Media and the Transformation of the Physician-Patient Relationship: Viewpoint J Med Internet Res 2021;23(12):e25230 URL: https://www.jmir.org/2021/12/e25230 DOI: 10.2196/25230

3. World Health Organization. WHO and TikTok to collaborate on more science-based information on health and well-being. September 26, 2024. Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/26-09-2024-who-and-tiktok-to-collaborate-on-more-science-based-information-on-health-and-well-being. Accessed February 10, 2025.

4. Healthline. Millennials and Gen Z are turning to social media for health information, but is it reliable? Published January 17, 2024. Accessed February 10, 2025. URL: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/millennials-genz-social-media-health-misinformation-preventive-care-survey#Young-people-forgoing-preventive-care-screenings