Health Hype or Healthy Habit? The Reality of Online Health Trends

With the advent of social media platforms and the widespread availability of health information online, the wellness industry has undergone a seismic shift in the last decade.

Unlike traditional media channels, which often cater to a limited audience, the digital age has allowed anyone with an internet connection to become an authority on wellness, whether a certified medical professional or a self-proclaimed wellness guru.

From Instagram influencers touting the benefits of celery juice to TikTok fitness gurus showcasing the latest workout craze, online health trends are everywhere. With anyone being able to give their opinion on online platforms, the line between genuine advice and paid advertising becomes blurry.

Social media has played a huge role in popularizing certain online health trends because of its in-built algorithms. Since it’s very easy to share content across different platforms, misinformation tends to spread fast and wide.

Some famous health trends that have gone viral in the recent past include the 75 Hard Challenge, Yoni Pearls, Celery juice, and most recently, Okra Water.

Although there are some positive trends that have helped people elevate their own health, like At-Home Workouts that became more popular during COVID lockdown, there are also others that are not only harmful, but also fatal.

There’s another world of online challenges. Though some may be fun and exciting, others are downright harmful to the health of the participants.

This Benadryl Challenge that went viral on TikTok, involved taking dangerous amounts of the Over-the-Counter medication used to relieve allergy symptoms in order to induce hallucinations, led to the death of a young boy in the US.

While social media has created a platform where experts make credible health information more accessible, it has also led to the spread of misinformation (incorrect information) and disinformation (intentional misleading information).

There are many products being sold on the internet that claim to have beneficial health effects. Whether it’s detox juices that claim to “cleanse” the body or a product that guarantees rapid weight loss, these claims are usually either false or exaggerated and have limited or no scientific evidence of effectiveness or safety.

The main problem of such health trends is they depict a certain diet, exercise, or product as the magic bullet for good health. They sell the idea of a miracle solution — that complex health goals can be achieved with a simple fix.

This one-size-fits-all approach to wellness fails to acknowledge the diversity of human health and intricacies of individual health needs. Each person is unique, with individual genetics, environmental factors, lifestyle habits and health conditions.

Generalized health advice that fail to take these factors into consideration can then lead to ineffective or potentially harmful outcomes. What works wonders for one person may not have the same effect, or may even be harmful, for another.

This is why simply copying an online health trend without a complete understanding of its consequences on your health is dangerous.

So then, why do people fall victim to these online trends?

There are four possible reasons why people are quick to jump on to online heath trends:

• The Quick-Fix Promise

Most people generally love to take the path of least resistance. When given a choice, people choose the easy solution over the hard one. In a society obsessed with instant gratification, the allure of achieving fast results is hard to resist.

• Fear of Missing Out

We have all given in to the pressure of an online trend or two because everyone seemed to be doing it. Some people may hop on to the latest online craze to avoid feeling left out.

• Despair

Unfortunately, some of the people who have fallen victim to online health scams are the ones seeking a solution to their health problems. The people in desperate need of genuine help are the most vulnerable to exploitation. They become the perfect target for malicious people who prey on their hopes and fears to make a gain at their expense.

• The Shiny Toy Syndrome

This is the phenomenon where individuals become easily distracted by new or exciting ideas or trends, often at the expense of their current goals or objectives. For instance, someone looking to lose weight will often jump from one trend to the next if it promises to give faster results. However, this only leads to a lack of focus, wasted resources, and a failure to achieve meaningful progress.

A Balanced Approach

With the potential danger of online misinformation and disinformation, how can you protect yourself from these harmful trends while also leveraging the positive ones?

• Do Your Research: Before jumping on the bandwagon of a new health trend, take the time to research its effectiveness and safety from credible sources. If you're unsure about where to research, consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your individual needs and health goals.

• Focus on the Bigger Picture: Instead of jumping from one trend to another, focus on building sustainable habits that promote overall health and well-being — well-balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and rest.

• Exercise Caution: Be wary of sensationalized claims and miracle cures. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trust evidence-based information rather than personal testimonials and opinions.

By staying informed, consulting professionals and other credible sources, and focusing on the basics of health and wellness, you can navigate the world of online health trends with confidence and safeguard your well-being in the process.

Remember, your health is priceless — don't gamble with it for the sake of a trending hashtag.

Thanks for reading! I hope you found something valuable :)

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