TikTok Doc: 1 in 6 Aussies get health advice from social media instead of GP
A significant number of people are relying on social media for health advice, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,029 respondents revealed 16% of Australians – equivalent to 3.3 million people – have consulted social media for health advice instead of visiting a medical professional.
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The data shows women (22%) are twice as likely as men (11%) to seek out health advice from social media.
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Gen Z (36%) were more likely to admit they seek advice from social media, followed by gen Y (14%), gen X (9%), and baby boomers (2%).
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Peta Taylor, insurance expert at Finder, said while social media may offer quick answers, it's no substitute for a proper consultation with a doctor.
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"Unlike traditional medical sources, social media is largely unregulated. This means there's little oversight of the accuracy or safety of the information shared.
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"Informed healthcare decisions should come from medical professionals, not viral content."
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Taylor said while social media may seem like a convenient solution for busy Aussies, it doesn't come without risks.
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"It's one thing to try a makeup trick or golf tip from an influencer, but there are real dangers for bypassing qualified medical professionals.
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"Delaying a correct diagnosis could have devastating long term impacts.
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"This trend also highlights the financial barriers many Australians face when accessing healthcare, with social media offering a more affordable alternative for those unable to visit a GP."
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Taylor urged Aussies to take proactive steps to protect their health.
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"Seek out GPs who offer bulk billing, meaning they accept the Medicare benefit as full payment, so you don't have out-of-pocket expenses.
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"While it involves costs, private health insurance can cover services not included in Medicare, such as dental, optical, and some specialist treatments," Taylor said.
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Do you consult social media for health advice instead of visiting a medical professional?
| Yes | 16% |
| No | 84% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,029 respondents, February 2025 |  |
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Sources
Methodology
- Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
- Figures in this release are based on 1,029 respondents from February 2025.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
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