The headline read, “This One Thing Can Add 10 Years to Your Life,” and it was front and center on a major news portal. Tempted by the promise of longevity, I clicked—only to find a handful of nutrients in a certain food touted as a secret to a longer life. The conclusion? “Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.” The same old advice, just wrapped in flashy packaging. I felt like I had wasted my time. Most readers have had this experience: a sensational headline grabs your attention, but once you open the article, it leaves you disappointed.
According to a 2024 study by the Korea Press Foundation, over half of Korean citizens distrust online news, citing reasons like exaggeration and lack of evidence. It’s common for people to describe health articles they see on portals or social media as “basically advertisements.” These articles often feel mass-produced. What initially seems like coincidence turns into a recognizable pattern: the same psychological tactics repeated to sway judgment.
Common Pitfalls in Online Health News
Fallacy of Tradition
Just because a food or remedy has been used for generations doesn’t mean it has special healing powers. Claims like “this ancient remedy cures all ailments” are prime examples. While traditions may contain wisdom, they aren’t scientific proof. Relying on the label of “traditional” or “natural” to bypass critical scrutiny fosters blind belief.
Fallacy of Inappropriate Authority
Many articles feature celebrities or TV personalities claiming they regained health by eating a particular food. Despite lacking medical expertise, their popularity gives an illusion of authority. But personal anecdotes are not scientific evidence—and they can lead people to imitate harmful behaviors.
Fallacy of Foreign Authority
Citing foreign universities or saying a food is trending overseas often makes an article seem more credible. In reality, these claims often come from limited studies or decontextualized sources. Sometimes the “expert” cited lacks relevant degrees or experience—and may even profit from promoting the product. Yet the mere association with “foreign” credibility is enough to obscure weak evidence.
These three fallacies often serve the same underlying goal. On the surface, these articles offer health advice—but in reality, they’re often promotional tools. Media outlets benefit from clicks and traffic, while influencers and celebrities gain exposure. In this system, public interest and anxiety are converted into profit, and the same misleading content continues to be reproduced. So what can we do about it? It’s time to go beyond critique and seek real solutions.
Moving from Criticism to Action
Governments should implement mechanisms to verify whether online health content is scientifically accurate and not covert advertising. Platforms that publish exaggerated or misleading information need to face stricter regulations. Since this is a matter of public health, government oversight is essential.
The media and digital platforms also bear significant responsibility. In South Korea, 67.7% of the public consumes news via portals, and platforms like YouTube are widely used by both young and older audiences. If these platforms chase clicks at the expense of accuracy, they will erode their own credibility. They must implement stronger fact-checking systems and visibly flag misleading health content.
But regulations can only go so far. Readers must also adopt a critical mindset. Sensational headlines should raise red flags, and phrases like “traditionally used” or “based on someone’s experience” shouldn’t be accepted as proof. Believing a single study as absolute truth is another pitfall to avoid. Developing your own ability to filter information is the most reliable defense.
Misinformation about health isn’t a minor issue. Articles dressed up in tradition, personal testimony, or foreign credibility fuel fear, cloud judgment, and lead people to poor decisions. Over time, these repeated experiences erode trust in journalism and sow confusion in society.
In the end, the crucial question is ours to answer: How will we navigate this flood of information? Government oversight and platform accountability are important, but the most essential tool is reader awareness. Health cannot be safeguarded through advertising slogans or clickbait headlines. The real solution is a habit of questioning, verifying, and filtering.
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