Rise in online health inquiries

An increasing number of people are turning to the internet to inform themselves about their health. In the United States, one in three people have consulted social media for health-related information, according to the Pew Research Center. In France, half of those surveyed use social media to learn about health issues, with Instagram being the most popular platform.

Social media as a health tool

These platforms offer valuable opportunities to spread public health campaigns and help overcome barriers in countries where health topics are restricted or considered taboo. They can also help people who feel embarrassed or fearful to ask questions or search for symptoms, which may encourage them to consult a professional.

Risks of misinformation

The problem lies in the potential for misinformation. A study published in Nature warns that people less able to assess online information may be more vulnerable to misinformation. Another study in the journal Healthcare notes that emotionally charged or sensational content can spread faster and reach more people than factual information, sometimes discouraging people from seeking professional help.

Content quality on social media

Georgie Kovacs, an expert in women's health and founder of Fempower Health, points out that the most widely shared content on social media is not always verified. She explains that content creators can manipulate algorithms to make posts more visible, even if they are not accurate. Complex health issues are often oversimplified to fit the short format of social media, which can compromise accurate diagnosis.

Bias and AI-generated misinformation

A study in Science documents that Facebook's information has a clear conservative bias. AI-generated influencers have also been found to spread false health information. An investigation by Maldita.es identified over 250 AI-generated Instagram profiles providing unfounded health advice in seven languages, with more than 53 million followers. Far-right groups have also been linked to campaigns spreading misinformation, such as videos falsely depicting abortions in Latin America.

Reproductive health misinformation

Repro Uncensored, an international non-profit advocating for access to reproductive health information, has documented the spread of content questioning hormonal contraception. These messages, which suggest cycle tracking as a substitute for contraception, have reached millions of users on major platforms. The organization notes that such discourses often align with broader political movements seeking to restrict reproductive healthcare access.

Censorship and online engagement

Martha Dimitratou, founder of Repro Uncensored, warns that extreme speech, such as hate speech against queer or feminist groups, generates more online engagement. She explains that platforms often prioritize content that drives likes, followers, and monetization. As a result, some channels specifically target hate speech for greater visibility and reach.

Censorship challenges

Overcoming censorship is difficult for accounts promoting women's health, as those spreading hate speech or targeting reproductive health often use social media as a megaphone. Repro Uncensored reports that over 70 cases of censorship targeting reproductive health accounts were reported on Instagram and Facebook alone in April. The organization attributes this to AI moderation and reports from anti-rights groups, with platforms often failing to protect affected accounts.

Digital censorship in the UK

In the United Kingdom, CensHerShip is addressing digital and financial censorship affecting women's health content. A 2025 white paper by the organization warns that 95% of surveyed content creators on women's health have experienced censorship on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Google. Censorship takes many forms, from post removal to account deletion, affecting both experts and public health campaigns.

Gender bias in algorithms

Clio Wood, founder of CensHerShip, explains that content is often reported for sexual activity or nudity, even when it is educational. She notes that platforms like Meta and TikTok are being contacted to challenge these decisions. The issue, she says, is rooted in gender bias within algorithms and the lack of gender diversity in tech companies.

Censorship in restricted regions

In Poland, where abortion is highly restricted, organizations like Women Help Women face repeated account deletions on Meta platforms. Médecins du Monde had one of its accounts suspended for three months. To avoid shadow-banning, the organization has resorted to replacing letters with numbers in certain words. The lack of algorithmic support for gender equality is a growing concern.

Self-censorship and health information

According to CensHerShip, 65% of organizations surveyed in its 2026 report say they engage in self-censorship to avoid content deletion. This contributes to a lack of accurate health information for women, which affects their ability to discuss their health openly. Clio Wood argues that major tech companies have the resources to act but choose not to prioritize this issue.

Algorithmic challenges

Georgie Kovacs questions the simplicity of algorithms that automatically ban content containing terms like "sexual health." She argues that platforms should be able to distinguish between educational content and explicit material, especially when created by qualified experts.

Gender bias in medical diagnosis

A study by the University of Cambridge and the University of East Anglia found that 43% of women with autoimmune diseases had their symptoms initially attributed to psychiatric causes, compared to 33% of men. Women are also more likely to have their symptoms dismissed as psychosomatic. This can delay accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Impact of health professional bias

A survey by Ipsos bva for the French Hospital Federation found that 43% of women reported that a health professional minimized or trivialized their pain at least once. These experiences can affect how women perceive their health and their ability to seek appropriate care.

Normalizing health conversations

Georgie Kovacs argues that when words like "vagina" are censored, women may feel uncomfortable discussing their bodies. This can lead to discomfort in both women and doctors when discussing health issues. She emphasizes that the issue is not only about algorithms or tech companies but also about normalizing open conversations between women and their healthcare providers.