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More than 1 in 5 social media users say they’ve made health choices based on their feeds. How to use it wisely
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 9, 2026
· 7 min read
By Katia Hetter, CNN
(CNN) — Not sure what type of bug bit you or what caused that rash? Many Americans hashtag their questions and turn to social media for health information, whether they are looking up symptoms, researching a diagnosis or learning about a treatment.
More than 1 in 5 adults...
Key takeaway More than 1 in 5 adults in the United States who use social media reported making health decisions based on information they encountered there, according to a study published June 30 in the journal JAMA.
Why this matters in The El Paso
In El Paso , where a significant portion of the population may face barriers to accessing healthcare, the trend of relying on social media for health information takes on particular significance. With many residents potentially using online platforms to inform their health decisions, it's crucial for local health organizations and providers to establish a strong presence on social media, sharing credible and trustworthy information to counterbalance the prevalence of false or misleading content. Furthermore, the study's finding that older adults and Hispanic users are more likely to make health decisions based on social media suggests that targeted outreach and education efforts may be necessary to ensure these populations have access to accurate and reliable health information. By acknowledging and addressing these dynamics, El Paso's healthcare community can work to promote healthier online behaviors and mitigate potential risks associated with social media-driven health choices.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Katia Hetter, CNN
(CNN) — Not sure what type of bug bit you or what caused that rash? Many Americans hashtag their questions and turn to social media for health information, whether they are looking up symptoms, researching a diagnosis or learning about a treatment.
More than 1 in 5 adults...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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