My article this month takes a slightly different angle and was prompted by an interesting paper titled: “How can the veterinary profession tackle social media misinformation?”. As dog breeders and owners, our primary concern is the well-being and health of our pets. However, in this digital age, misinformation can be as pervasive as it is dangerous. Rachel Moran and Oliver Knesl’s paper “How can the veterinary profession tackle social media misinformation?” sheds light on the growing issue of misinformation in veterinary medicine, particularly within the realm of social media. Social media has become an integral part of our lives and has revolutionised how we connect with others and access information. However, the rise of social media has also led to the spread of misinformation, especially in pet care.
It’s worth starting with some definitions, for clarity. The paper says “Researchers often place misinformation within a broader conversation of information disorder” with 2 distinct issues. Misinformation is information that is false, but not intended to mislead or cause harm, whereas Disinformation is information that is false and intentionally spread. The paper focuses, primarily, on the former. None of this is new, though. In February 2017 I wrote an article on “Alternative facts and the post-truth world” which was prompted by the goings-on in the first Trump presidency. I also wrote “The problem with facts”. This was a recurring theme in 2017 as my October article was titled: “Trust or trash: just what can you believe?”.
The Rise of Social Media Misinformation
Social media platforms have become a double-edged sword for dog breeders and owners. On the one hand, they provide a convenient and accessible means to share information, experiences, and advice. On the other, they are rife with misinformation that can mislead and potentially harm our pets. The digital landscape is filled with both accurate and misleading content, making it challenging to distinguish between the two. The internet has made it easier than ever to access information about our pets. However, not all information is created equal. Misinformation can spread quickly and easily online, especially on social media channels. This can lead to confusion and anxiety for pet owners trying to make the best decisions for their animals, not to mention the challenges this can cause vets in their conversations with pet owners.
The Influence of Nonexperts
One of the main issues highlighted in Moran and Knesl’s paper is the influence of social media personalities who lack proper veterinary training. These influencers can gain substantial followings and spread misinformation about dog health, vaccinations, nutrition, and treatments. Their advice, though well-intentioned, can often be based on anecdotal experiences rather than scientific evidence. The rise of social media influencers has further complicated the issue of misinformation. Many influencers have a large following and can significantly impact their audience’s beliefs and behaviours. However, not all influencers are experts in the topics they discuss. Dog breeders and owners must think critically about the information they encounter online and check the validity of information sources to ensure advice is backed by appropriate evidence from a credible source.
Common Misinformation Narratives
The paper discusses what the authors describe as several myths and misconceptions within the dog community, fueled by social media. These include:
- Vaccines cause autism in dogs: This unfounded claim has no scientific basis and can deter dog owners from vaccinating their pets, leading to an increase in preventable diseases.
- Raw food diets are superior: While raw diets can have benefits, they also pose significant risks, including bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances.
- Natural supplements are always safe: Many natural supplements lack rigorous testing and regulation, making their efficacy and safety questionable.
I have no doubt that some of my readers will disagree that these are “myths and misconceptions”!
The Role of Vets
Vets can play a useful role in combating misinformation. Their expertise and training should make them reliable sources of information. However, they must take a proactive approach to address and debunk myths. By engaging on platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, vets can reach a wider audience and provide science-based guidance. Two of my favourite online vets are “Cat the Vet” and “The Skept Vet” both of whom write regularly to correct misinformation, usually backed by well-referenced research papers.
Dealing with misinformation
The paper outlines five key strategies for dealing with misinformation in veterinary medicine: prebunking, which involves providing accurate information before false claims can spread; debunking, which corrects misinformation after it’s disseminated; building trust through transparent communication between vets and pet owners; improving media literacy to help pet owners critically evaluate the information they encounter; and collaboration between vets, professional organisations, and pet owners to produce and share authoritative content and report misinformation. These approaches aim to ensure that pet owners make well-informed decisions based on reliable, science-based information.
Educate yourself: Stay informed about your dog’s health by consulting credible sources. Look for information from reputable organisations, scientific journals, and trusted individuals. Verify information: Before acting on advice found on social media, verify its accuracy. Check the credentials of the source and cross-reference with reliable information. Be skeptical of quick fixes: Effective treatment and care usually involve thorough research, published evidence and professional guidance.
These days, most of us use social media to connect with other dog breeders and owners. It can be a great way to connect with other owners and to share information. However, it is important to remember that not everyone online is an expert. We should recognise that misinformation on social media can pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of our dogs. Dog breeders and owners must be diligent in seeking and sharing accurate information. Moran and Knesl’s paper serves as a reminder of the importance of trust, transparency, and proactive engagement in the fight against veterinary misinformation. In the end, the well-being of our dogs depends on our collective efforts to promote and uphold accurate, science-based information.
There is an insightful quote from Albert Einstein: “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” It emphasises the importance of critical thinking and staying informed—key elements in combating misinformation.
