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Social Media’s Growing Role in Healthcare Decisions | Behind the Numbers

Behind the Numbers: an EMARKETER Podcast · with Rajiv Leventhal, Beth Snyder Bulik · March 23, 2026 · 29 min

Summary

This episode explores how social media is increasingly influencing Americans' healthcare decisions. It delves into why individuals seek health advice online, the types of information they find, and how this compares to traditional physician consultations. Ecommerce operators can gain insights into consumer behavior shifts in a crucial life area, understanding the evolving landscape of digital information consumption and its impact on decision-making.

Key takeaways

Topics covered

social media health informationconsumer health decisionsonline health communitiesmisinformation on social mediadoctor-patient communicationhealthcare marketing strategies

Episode description

In today’s podcast episode, we discuss why Americans are turning to social media for health advice, the kinds of help they are seeking, and how the information they receive compares with what they hear from their offline physicians. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with Senior Analysts Rajiv Leventhal and Beth Snyder Bulik. Listen everywhere, or watch on YouTube and Spotify. Subscribe to EMARKETER's newsletters. Go to https://www.emarketer.com/newsletters Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emarketer/ For sponsorship opportunities, contact us: advertising@emarketer.com For more information, visit: https://www.emarketer.com/advertise/ Have questions or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at podcast@emarketer.com For a transcript of this episode, click here: https://www.emarketer.com/content/podcast-social-media-s-growing-role-healthcare-decisions-behind-numbers © 2026 EMARKETER Rokt helps marketers reach high-intent customers in the Transaction Moment™—when they’re actively completing a purchase online. Powered by AI and first-party data, Rokt Ads connects your brand with over 400 million global shoppers and delivers outcomes you can count on. Learn more at rokt.com/emarketer to get started today.

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Frequently asked about this episode

What's takeaway #1 from this episode?
Social media is becoming a primary source for health information due to accessibility and perceived peer validation; businesses should observe this trend as it highlights a broader shift in consumer information-seeking habits.
What's takeaway #2 from this episode?
Consumers are using social media for a wide range of health concerns, from wellness tips to chronic condition management; this indicates a consumer desire for readily available information across various life stages and needs.
What's takeaway #3 from this episode?
The episode highlights discrepancies between social media health advice and traditional medical counsel, forcing consumers to navigate conflicting information; this underscores the importance of clear, trustworthy messaging in any consumer-facing industry.
What's takeaway #4 from this episode?
The rise of social media in healthcare decisions impacts doctor-patient communication and highlights the need for adaptable engagement strategies from healthcare providers and potentially other industries as well.

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