Social Media Misinforms Americans About Sunscreen
As the United States endures a wave of record-breaking heat, some social media influencers promote the false notion that sunscreen products cause cancer. Jerome Tan, with a following of roughly 400,000, urged his subscribers to “spare time for sun exposure.”
This misleading information has alarmed experts, who warn of real dangers. With rising skin cancer cases, public health advice in this area is being undermined, AFP reports.
Certain social media celebrities have uploaded video clips featuring “homemade” sunscreen recipes, which have amassed millions of views. These recipes often involve mixing ingredients like beef fat, avocado butter, and beeswax.
In a viral TikTok video garnering over 430,000 views, Jerome Tan, without any scientific evidence, claims that consuming natural foods enables the body to “create its own protection from the sun.”
A poll conducted this year by the Orlando Cancer Institute revealed that regarding one in seven U.S. adults under the age of 35 believe daily sunscreen use is more harmful to health than sun exposure. Approximately a quarter of respondents believed staying hydrated can prevent sunburn.
“There are a lot of dangerous ideas that people are adopting,” said Rajesh Nair, a surgical oncologist at the institute in Florida.
Another poll indicated that 75% of Americans use sunscreen regularly, a 4 percentage point decrease from 2022. These findings align with other trends reflecting the public’s declining trust in public health advice, particularly regarding vaccines and the fight once morest the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some social media celebrities have profited from these trends, despite often lacking any academic qualifications in the field. Dermatologists are therefore seeking to debunk the myth that regular sun exposure is beneficial to health.
Daniel Bennett, a dermatologist and professor at the University of Wisconsin, confirmed to AFP that “there is no such thing as a tan without risk.” He stated, “there is overwhelming evidence that exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer.”
Other experts emphasize that most false or misleading content on social media originates from a few celebrities seeking financial gain.
Eric Dahan, founder of influencer marketing agency Mighty Joy, told AFP that some of these stars are exploiting “skepticism regarding sunscreen” to “sell their own products.”
He cited an Instagram post advising once morest “constantly applying sunscreen” while promoting skincare products.
The post included phrases like “Say goodbye to sun paranoia” and “This summer, soak up some sun (without feeling guilty),” accompanied by numerous emojis.
Another Instagram influencer posted a shirtless photo of himself on a surfboard, urging his followers to ditch sunscreen and promoting the benefits of shea butter.
However, shea butter, which is derived from melted beef fat, lacks any UV-blocking properties, explains Megan Boinot-Covillion, a Texas dermatologist.
“I think it’s fine to use as a skin softener, but certainly not as a sunscreen,” she said.
The American Academy of Dermatology confirms that homemade sunscreen products “lack effective protection from the sun.” This puts users at risk for burns, premature skin aging, and cancer.
While some of these homemade formulas contain familiar ingredients found in sunscreen products, such as zinc oxide, the vast majority of the public lacks the technology necessary to test these concoctions at home to determine their effectiveness once morest UV rays, said Adam Friedman, a professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine. Friedman asserted that it is impossible for anyone to create a good sunscreen “in their basement.”
Social Media’s Misleading Messages About Sunscreen: A Growing Public Health Concern
As the United States navigates a period of record-breaking heat, a concerning trend has emerged on social media platforms. While the health benefits of sun protection are well-established, a growing number of social media influencers are promoting the idea that sunscreen products cause cancer, urging followers to embrace more sun exposure. This misinformation poses a significant public health risk, potentially undermining the vital efforts to protect skin health and reduce the incidence of skin cancer.
The Spread of Misinformation
The misinformation surrounding sunscreen has taken various forms, ranging from outright false claims to misleading advice and the promotion of ineffective “homemade” sunscreen recipes. Some social media celebrities have achieved viral status by promoting the idea that consuming natural foods enables the body to “naturally” protect itself from the sun, completely disregarding scientific evidence. Such claims have resonated with a sizable audience, particularly amongst younger generations. Disturbingly, a recent poll by the Orlando Cancer Institute revealed that a staggering one in seven U.S. adults under the age of 35 believe that daily sunscreen use is more harmful than sun exposure. This demonstrates the profound impact of this misinformation campaign on public perception.
The spread of misinformation has coincided with a decline in the use of sunscreen. While 75% of Americans report regularly using sunscreen, this figure represents a 4 percentage point decrease from 2022. This trend aligns with broader concerns regarding public trust in health advice, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This erosion of trust has created fertile ground for misinformation to flourish, raising serious concerns regarding the future of public health messaging.
The Harms of Misinformation
The consequences of spreading misinformation regarding sunscreen are far-reaching and potentially disastrous. The American Academy of Dermatology emphasizes that homemade sunscreen concoctions “lack effective protection from the sun,” putting users at risk for sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. These risks are particularly high for individuals who lack the scientific knowledge and technical equipment to accurately assess the effectiveness of these homemade mixtures.
Furthermore, the promotion of “sun-safe” practices that lack scientific basis, such as relying on a “natural tan” or consuming certain foods, can lead individuals to underestimate the true dangers of excessive sun exposure. This can result in increased instances of sunburn, premature aging, and, most critically, skin cancer.
The Role of Social Media Influencers
A key factor driving the spread of misinformation regarding sunscreen is the influence of social media personalities. While many influencers might genuinely believe in the products they promote, some exploit public skepticism and distrust to gain financial advantage. This often takes the form of promoting their own skincare products, “natural” sun protection methods, or lifestyle choices that prioritize sun exposure.
The allure of these influencers lies in their ability to connect with their followers on a personal level, fostering a sense of trust and authority. This dynamic can make it difficult for individuals to discern accurate information from misleading claims. While influencers have the power to positively impact public health by promoting accurate information, they also bear a significant responsibility to ensure the authenticity and scientific validity of their content.
The Need for Combating Misinformation
Addressing the spread of sunscreen misinformation requires a multi-pronged approach. Promoting credible sources of health information, such as the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation, is crucial. These organizations provide evidence-based guidelines and resources regarding sun protection.
| Platform | Key Initiatives |
|---|---|
| Social Media Platforms | Collaborate with health experts and dermatologists to identify and flag misinformation related to sunscreen. Implement stricter policies once morest the promotion of harmful or misleading products. Partner with reputable health organizations to promote accurate information through social media campaigns. |
| Health Professionals and Organizations | Increase public awareness campaigns to counter misinformation and educate individuals regarding the importance of sunscreen. Provide clear and concise messaging regarding the dangers of excessive sun exposure and the efficacy of sunscreen. Engage with influencers to promote accurate information and discourage the spread of misinformation. |
Ultimately, combating misinformation requires a collective effort from social media platforms, health professionals, and individuals themselves. By promoting critical thinking, fact-checking, and reliance on credible sources, we can help protect the public from the dangers of misinformation and ensure that individuals have the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions regarding their health.
