It has also made misinformation easier to spread.

A video can receive thousands of views even when the health claim in it has no reliable evidence.

People should therefore ask where a health claim came from before accepting it.

A personal experience can be useful, but one person's experience does not automatically prove that a treatment will work for everyone.

Be particularly careful with claims that promise instant cures, "detox" the body, replace prescribed treatment or guarantee results.

Also check the qualifications of the person giving the advice.

A popular influencer is not automatically a healthcare professional.

When a health decision could have serious consequences, discuss it with a qualified healthcare professional.

This is especially important before stopping prescribed medication, changing treatment or giving medication to a child.

Social media can help people learn, but it should be the beginning of questions, not always the final answer.

Lesson: Do not measure the quality of health advice by the number of views or likes it receives.