I Saw It on TikTok: How Algorithms Are Fueling Anti-Intellectualism
Sat Jan 31 2026
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In this episode, we unpack how TikTokers, WhatsApp aunty group chats, and everyone in between use social media for health advice. We explore how misinformation, overconfidence, and anti-intellectualism are turning opinions into “facts.” From TikTok doctors to vaccine myths, we ask when influencers replaced experts, why trust in science is collapsing, and who is actually paying the price.
Key sources:
1. Pew Research Center (2024). Social Media Fact Sheet. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/
2. WHO (2022). Infodemics and misinformation negatively affect people’s health behaviours. https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/01-09-2022-infodemics-and-misinformation-negatively-affect-people-s-health-behaviours–new-who-review-finds
3. Pure UJ et al. (2022). WhatsApp users and COVID misinformation in Africa.
4. JMIR Infodemiology (2025). Health misinformation response in Malaysia.
5. Kureyama N et al. (2023). Cancer misinformation on Twitter in Japan.
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Send us a text In this episode, we unpack how TikTokers, WhatsApp aunty group chats, and everyone in between use social media for health advice. We explore how misinformation, overconfidence, and anti-intellectualism are turning opinions into “facts.” From TikTok doctors to vaccine myths, we ask when influencers replaced experts, why trust in science is collapsing, and who is actually paying the price. Key sources: 1. Pew Research Center (2024). Social Media Fact Sheet. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/ 2. WHO (2022). Infodemics and misinformation negatively affect people’s health behaviours. https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/01-09-2022-infodemics-and-misinformation-negatively-affect-people-s-health-behaviours–new-who-review-finds 3. Pure UJ et al. (2022). WhatsApp users and COVID misinformation in Africa. 4. JMIR Infodemiology (2025). Health misinformation response in Malaysia. 5. Kureyama N et al. (2023). Cancer misinformation on Twitter in Japan. Support the show Follow us on our socials so you don’t miss anything! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whi_podcast/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@whi_podcast?_t=8cw9TYkj5XG&_r=1 Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/whi_podcast Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WHIpodcast LinkedIn ...