Gen Z Ditches Doctors for Social Media: Are We Trusting the Wrong Health Experts?

A recent global survey reveals that Gen Z is increasingly turning to peers and social media for health advice, often disregarding professional medical guidance. Between 2024 and 2025, 45% of adults aged 18-34 favored advice from friends or family, and 38% trusted social media influencers over their healthcare providers. As younger generations craft their own health ecosystems, the influence of credentials and institutional trust is waning. However, this shift has raised concerns, with nearly 60% of young adults regretting health decisions made based on misleading or inaccurate information.