Source: Pewresearch
The health information economy is now dominated by unregulated creators rather than credentialed sources, with Instagram and TikTok functioning as de facto medical authorities for under-50 Americans. Platforms optimized for engagement—not accuracy—determine what health claims reach millions, while pharma and supplement brands scale medical misinformation through affiliate relationships and creator sponsorships with minimal friction. Insurance companies are competing with wellness creators for patient behavior change, and the FDA's enforcement capacity cannot keep pace with the volume of claims distributed across short-form video.