Watch Out for the Bait: Why Health News Headlines Could Mislead You

In actuality, headlines have a lot of influence. Whether we pause to glance inside or continue scrolling is determined by the gaudy shop window. But when it comes to health and medical news, just a few bolded phrases can wildly skew reality.

Let us examine the typical ways headlines deceive us and learn how to become a more knowledgeable, less deceitful reader.

1. When the Study Does not Look Like It Does

Did people even play a part?

Suppose scientists discover a medication that "cure" Alzheimer's. It sounds amazing—until you read the fine print, which reveals that mice were used for testing. Although they are useful in preliminary studies, mice are not miniature versions of people. The findings appear more immediate and revolutionary than they actually are when this detail is left out of the headline.

The trap known as "Breakthrough"

Instead of moving like lightning, medical science moves like honey. True innovations, such as insulin or the polio vaccine, are few. One piece of the jigsaw at a time is what most research adds. Therefore, when a headline proclaims, "A revolutionary new treatment for cancer!"—pause. It is probably not a revolution. More likely, it is an initial draft.

Converting conjecture into reality

An intriguing finding may occasionally come from a study, such as a cell that is more prevalent in people with a particular illness. Researchers may question if focusing on one cell could aid in the treatment of the disease. However, the headline somehow changes to "New remedy discovered!" The transition from "maybe someday" to "certainly now" occurs far too quickly.

Proxy issues

Let us say a medication reduces cholesterol. All right? But does it save lives or lessen heart attacks? That is more crucial, yet the study frequently does not address it. Instead than reporting on actual outcomes, such as fewer fatalities or strokes, many headlines focus on proxy outcomes, such as risk factors like cholesterol.

2. Mistaking Causation for Correlation

Assume that a study indicates a higher risk of stomach ulcers in those who get headaches frequently. "Headaches induce ulcers!" may be the headline. The more probable truth, however? These people might be taking ibuprofen or other medicines, which can lead to ulcers. Can you see the difference?

Although they are unable to establish cause and effect, observational studies can point to a connection. It is reasonable to question whether those with greater levels of education also have more money to spend on handmade truffles if they claim that consuming chocolate makes you smarter because chocolate lovers perform better on IQ tests.

3. Ignoring the fine print

"Someday" headlines posing as "today"

A good futuristic angle is always welcome in health news: "A new medicine could change cancer treatment!" However, how much does it resemble reality? Frequently, the therapy has not even advanced to human clinical trials. 

The invisible "preliminary" case

Before it is vetted and published, a lot of fascinating research is announced at conferences. It would be equivalent to releasing your rough manuscript to the world and claiming it to be a masterpiece. This preliminary data may appear finalized if the word "preliminary" is left out of the headline.

Is it marketing or research?

Sometimes a press release masquerading as science is what appears to be news. These are not necessarily meant to provide you with fair, fact-based information; they are meant to garner attention, money, or product hype.

4. Ten Stories, One Study, and a Ton of Hype

Researchers created a pacemaker in 2021 that gradually dissolves, which could be a fantastic option for people who just want short-term assistance with their heart rhythm. That sounds fantastic, doesn't it?

However, the headlines stated the following:

"An implanted pacemaker that dissolves after use is on the horizon."

"Will Pacemakers That Dissolve Into the Body Be Available Someday?"

"Transient Pacemaker Dissolves in the Body for the First Time"

Problem? Not even live humans had been used for testing. Rats, dogs, and tissue from deceased donors were used in the study. Although "coming soon" and "harmlessly dissolves in body" sound certain, they are not accurate in this case.

Why Does This Continue to Occur?

Clicks. Attention. Ad money. Influence.

You are more inclined to click on a headline that sounds surprising or hopeful. Additionally, media sources are frequently rewarded for engagement rather than truth, particularly in the digital age. Some editors purposefully play into hype. Some people just lack the education necessary to correctly comprehend medical research.

In summary, read with skepticism.

In a world full with exaggerated health news, here are some tips for safeguarding your mind and your tranquility:

Inquire: Were humans or animals used in the testing?

Words that convey complexity include "preliminary," "associate," and "may."

Verify the source. Is it from a supplement firm, a scholarly magazine, or a university press office?

Go beyond the headline. The details are always where the trouble lies.

And if you discover that a news source frequently distorts the facts to get clicks, do yourself a favor and unfollow, unsubscribe, and move on.

The world is already filled with enough noise. You should not add to the chaos with your health news.