Finder data reveals more Gen Zs turn to doctor TikTok, Reddit for diagnoses

Ashie Luke says social media was key to her receiving a life-changing diagnosis. But the benefits come with risks, experts warn.

Ashie Luke attributes TikTok and Reddit to her ultimately receiving endometriosis and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) diagnosis’ after 14 years of suffering with chronic pain.

“I was dealing with heavy periods, gastrointestinal issues, chronic fatigue and a range of other symptoms that progressed during this time and began affecting every area of my life,” the 27-year-old told The Advertiser.

One in six Australians consulted social media for health advice instead of visiting a medical professional, a recent survey found.

The Finder data showed women were twice as likely as men to seek out health advice from social media and Gen Z and Millennials were the more likely generation to do the same with Baby Boomers being the least likely.

Ashie Luke was diagnosed with endometriosis after seeking advice from social media and accessing health care from doctors. Picture: Oscar Lewis

Ms Luke said throughout those 14 years awaiting a diagnosis, she saw numerous doctors who didn’t take her or her pain seriously.

“(They) would send me on my way with the sound advice of ‘eat better and drink more water’ like duh,” the Myrtle Bank women said.

“Reddit forums and TikTok videos were a massive help for me getting my endometriosis diagnosis.

“Hearing other’s stories and being able to relate not only helped with my peace of mind but it also gave me back some of my power that those doctors stripped away from me.

“Hearing how other’s got their diagnosis made it easier for me to advocate for myself and do all the ‘right’ things to get a diagnosis myself.”

Despite having a positive experience with social media herself, Ms Luke said she’s seen negative sides to health advice online.

“I would … highlight misinformation and scammers who try to profit off of sick and vulnerable people,” she said.

“I strongly believe in peer reviewed research and backing up any claims people on social media make because so many people out there will try to profit off the sick and vulnerable, like ‘buy my crystals that cure all sickness’, and it’ll be bulk-bought plastic garbage from like Temu … not that I’d fall for that though.

“If you know what to look our for … then the positives will outweigh the negatives.”

Australian Medical Association (AMA) President Dr Danielle McMullen. Picture: Richard Walker

President of the Australian Medical Association Danielle McMullen said health misinformation unfortunately can “spread like wildfire” on social media.

“It is critical people make informed choices about their health, but social media is no replacement for the expert advice provided by doctors and other medical experts,” she said.

“It’s important for people to check and verify the source of health information on social media, much of which is misleading or just plain wrong.”

Dr McMullen encouraged people with health concerns to book appointments with GPs to discuss their concerns.

Ms Luke said without TikTok and the community of “health advocates”, being chronically ill can be extremely lonely.

“You feel like the people closest to you will never truly understand what you’re going through,” she said.

“Through social media I have been given the tools and the strength to advocate for myself and my health.”

Originally published as Finder data reveals more Gen Zs turn to doctor TikTok, Reddit for diagnoses