Authority Bias in the Social Media Sphere: Why We Should Question Experts on Social Media

In today’s digital age, social media is a primary source of fitness and wellness advice. And while there are many qualified professionals offering valuable insights, there’s also an increasing trend of people with "doctor" in their Instagram handle promoting ideas and products outside of their professional scope. This growing trend raises an important question: Are we trusting the right people for health and fitness advice?

What Is Authority Bias?

Authority bias occurs when we give undue weight to the opinions of people we perceive as experts, simply because they hold a title or position of authority. For example, if a doctor shares fitness advice on social media, we might believe their recommendations are trustworthy, even if they’re outside their expertise. This is especially true when people present themselves as credible figures, but their advice lacks scientific backing or practical relevance.

The Problem with “Doctors” Selling Wellness Advice

Misleading Authority

• Just because someone has a medical degree doesn’t mean they’re qualified to give fitness or wellness advice outside their field. For example, a cardiologist is not necessarily qualified to provide nutritional or weight loss recommendations.
• There’s an inherent trust we place in medical professionals, but when they jump into the social media wellness world, their authority in one area doesn’t automatically translate to others.

Selling Quick Fixes

• Some doctors who transition into “wellness gurus” on social media start promoting products or advice that seems overly simplistic or geared towards making money rather than improving health. They may sell supplements, workout plans, or detoxes that sound appealing but lack scientific evidence.
• This commercialization can lead to a breakdown of trust, as the advice becomes less about real, evidence-based health and more about creating a personal brand.

Disconnect from Reality

• Many doctors or influencers who rise to social media fame lose touch with the reality of day-to-day struggles faced by real people.
• Their personal success stories or recommendations may not be relatable or practical for their audience. For instance, someone with a luxurious lifestyle and endless resources may offer wellness advice that’s not feasible for someone working a 9-to-5 job or raising a family.

Why This Feels Off:

There’s a certain personal discomfort when a well-respected authority figure steps outside of their area of expertise and starts selling trendy ideas without backing. This is because:

1. It Feels Like Manipulation – People may feel exploited when an expert who they trust for one area of health starts marketing a product or program that feels more like a sales pitch.
2. Loss of Authenticity – It feels as if the person is no longer a real human, but a brand—losing touch with the core values that originally made them trustworthy.
3. Undermines Public Trust in Experts – When authority figures in the medical field turn to the wellness industry without real qualifications, it erodes trust in professionals and opens the door for misinformation.

How to Approach Wellness Advice on Social Media

• Question the Source – Ask yourself: Is this person really qualified to give the advice they’re offering? Just because they have a title doesn’t mean they should be the go-to for every area of health.
• Seek Evidence-Based Information – If an influencer or doctor is promoting something, make sure it has scientific backing. Reliable advice should be grounded in peer-reviewed research and not just anecdotal success stories.
• Look for Practical, Real-World Solutions – Wellness advice should be relatable, not just idealized success stories. Be cautious of advice that seems too “perfect” or unattainable.
• Remember, Social Media is a Business – Many influencers and professionals are also selling products or services. Be mindful of how this might influence the advice they give.

Final Thoughts

While there are certainly experts and credible professionals offering valuable health and fitness advice on social media, we must be cautious about the growing trend of "authoritative figures" selling wellness products outside their expertise. By critically evaluating the source and questioning the motives behind advice, we can better protect ourselves from misinformation and maintain a healthy, realistic approach to wellness.