Social Media and the Science Trust Gap

Many people now turn to social media for health advice, but a recent survey shows that this habit also fuels the spread of misinformation.

• Three‑quarters of those who forward science or medical posts do so after seeing only the headline, not by reading the full story.
• This creates a cycle where false claims travel fast and leave people confused, angry, or worried about their own health.
• More than half of respondents have shared such posts; almost all did so without fact‑checking.

Growing Distrust Among Younger Adults

• About 50% of people aged 18–34 blame doctors and scientists for the misinformation they see online.
• Roughly 20% now mistrust these experts.

This distrust can influence real‑life decisions about medicine and wellness, worrying many families across the country.

A Persistent Commitment to Science

Despite these problems, Americans still view science as essential for progress:

• Across party lines, most people agree that scientists are smart and improve life quality.
• The majority believe the United States should lead worldwide research.

This shared belief shows that while misinformation hurts trust, it has not shaken the national commitment to scientific advancement.

The poll was conducted online in early February, included over two thousand U.S. adults, and had a margin of error of ± 2.5%.