A study of 4,000 people found while three quarters of those aged 18-34 are turning to social media to educate themselves about male and female health, many struggle to find what they need.

In an age where information is just a swipe away, a staggering 75% of adults aged 18 to 34 are reportedly turning to social media platforms for insights on male and female health. Yet, this digital quest for knowledge is marred by obstacles. For many young adults, finding needed health information online is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. Shadow banning, an often-opaque practice where content is muted or hidden, particularly concerning women’s health, is presenting an unanticipated barrier to what should be accessible knowledge.

Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword for Health Information

A recent survey with a sample size of 4,000 individuals sheds light on the growing reliance on social media for health education. Amongst those aged 18-24, an alarming 34% report difficulties sourcing information on women’s health issues. This trend continues with 21% of individuals aged 25-34 expressing similar frustrations. Despite the wealth of information available online, many feel sidelined by algorithms that govern which voices and discussions they can access.

Unpacking Shadow Banning

Shadow banning, or the subtle suppression of content without user knowledge, plays a significant role in this dichotomy. About 77% of young adults in the survey recognize this issue, particularly in the context of health content. Anecdotal evidence suggests that medically relevant language, including terms like “menstruation,” is often misclassified as taboo or inappropriate material. Kate Prince, a spokesperson for Essity, a hygiene and health company, underscores the importance of open dialogue: “Social media plays a pivotal role as a resource. But unaccountable algorithms mean young people are denied crucial information about their bodies.”

• 34% of young adults 18-24 struggle to find women’s health information.
• 77% are aware of shadow banning practices.
• 33% of young adults spend over five hours daily on social media.

The Push for Change

In response to this pressing concern, Essity has collaborated with CensHERship and the Period Equity Alliance to combat shadow banning and create a fairer environment for women’s health content online. Their initiative is gaining traction, fueled by the belief that discussions around topics such as menstruation should not trigger censorship. “We want to work with social media companies to ensure that medically correct language is not stifled,” Prince emphasizes.

The Public’s Perception

Interestingly, opinions on shadow banning are not unanimous. In a related study, 52% of respondents believe that shadow banning may be justifiable, but 45% contend that posts using accurate medical terminology should be exempt. This raises questions about social media platforms’ responsibility in fostering a more inclusive dialogue. Dr. Andrew Lane, a sociologist specializing in digital communications, observes, “The cultural stigma surrounding women’s health leads to misinformation, and censoring accurate discussions exacerbates the problem.”

Tackling the Stigma

Despite strides towards open conversations about menstrual health, obstacles abound. Brands like Bodyform have faced challenges in marketing their products due to algorithmic censorship. Nuria Antoja, a spokesperson for Bodyform, states, “Using basic anatomical terms often triggers censorship on popular platforms. It’s essential to normalize discussions around women’s health, as these conversations can save lives.”

The Engagement Divide

According to research, users between the ages of 25 and 34 demonstrate heightened engagement with health content, with 55% actively seeking information on topics such as mental health, sexual health, and cancer awareness. Despite this eagerness, shadow banning remains a prevalent issue; 34% of these users suspect that their health-related posts are being unduly censored. Alarmingly, many of these restricted posts involve discussions around women’s health.

Real Voices, Real Impact

Charlotte Emily, an influencer with a following of 91.6k on Instagram, shares her own experiences of censorship: “I’ve noticed that topics considered taboo, like women’s health or body image, face limited engagement. Although things have improved over the years, posts about women’s health still don’t get the visibility they deserve.” These sentiments echo across a populace eager to discuss issues critical to their well-being.

Clio Wood, co-founder of CensHERship, states, “Social media is a powerful tool for health education, yet it largely favors conventional narratives while diminishing women’s voices. We must hold platforms accountable to ensure balanced access to vital health information.” This belief aligns with the data revealing that a majority of adults—77%—feel confident that terms like “vagina” or “period” should not face restrictions when used for educational purposes.

With the societal landscape evolving, the importance of bridging the knowledge gap cannot be overstated. As more young adults seek information online, ensuring that discussions around health remain uncensored is not just an ethical imperative but, more importantly, a necessary step towards empowering individuals to understand their bodies fully. The push for transparency and equality in health discussions on social media is gathering momentum, but whether platforms will heed this call remains to be seen. Ultimately, it is the younger generation’s voices that will shape the future of health education—all we need is the space to speak within it.

Source: www.bristolpost.co.uk