Health communication in the post-truth era: the impact of digital misinformation on institutional credibility
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34630/tth.v6i1.7305Keywords:
Health misinformation, Post-truth, Health literacy, Social media, Institutional trust, Health communicationAbstract
The digitalization of communication has intensified the spread of health misinformation, affecting institutional communication. Based on a critical review of the literature, it is evident that social media algorithms tend to favor content with greater emotional appeal, even when its accuracy is questionable, thereby contributing to its wider circulation. At the same time, limitations in health literacy hinder the public’s ability to critically assess information, increasing their vulnerability to misinformation. As a result, trust in institutions is weakened, with implications for adherence to medical recommendations and public health policies. In this context, it becomes necessary to adopt more proactive digital communication strategies and to strengthen health literacy in order to consolidate trust-based relationships between institutions and citizens.
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