Researchers say social media myths drive ‘nocebo effect’ of side-effects that are real but psychological in origin
Social media misinformation about the contraceptive pill is encouraging women to view it so negatively that many give it up, a study has found.
Researchers have identified myths spread on TikTok and other social media platforms as a key driver of users suffering side-effects that are real but psychological in origin. It is called the “nocebo effect”, the opposite of the better-known placebo effect.
An expectation at the outset that the pill will be harmful.
Low confidence in how medicines are developed.
A belief that medicines are overused and harmful.
A belief that they are sensitive to medicines.
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