Fact-checking health claims: BENEDMO’s fight against misinformation

The internet is flooded with health advice. Some of it is helpful, but a lot of it is misleading. The sheer volume of information and discussions about major concerns like vaccination safety, contraception side effects, supplements, cosmetic procedures and self-help remedies means that information spreads rapidly.

Unfortunately, viral medical claims can often mislead audiences, particularly younger users who rely on social media as a key source of information.

Textgain is proud to be part of BENEDMO, a collaborative initiative bringing together researchers, fact-checkers, media literacy professionals, and tech developers with the aim of rooting out false or harmful medical content online. It uses advanced technologies, like the Factrank algorithm, to identify questionable claims and give journalists and users the tools they need to address these claims effectively. Here’s how BENEDMO is starting to tackle misinformation across some of today’s most widely discussed health topics.

Challenging misleading claims about vaccinations

Few topics have sparked as much debate online as COVID-19 vaccinations, and the spread of vaccine misinformation can be dangerous for public health. Among the most frequent claims shared are concerns about deadly side effects, effectiveness, and accusations of corruption or data suppression. Such discussions are not just widespread but can have significant consequences.

Using Factrank, BENEDMO finds high-risk claims, such as allegations about myocarditis, excess mortality or the transparency of pharmaceutical companies. By detecting viral, high-stakes narratives, we empower journalists to investigate these claims and provide the public with clear, evidence-based counterarguments. The aim is to rebuild trust in health institutions and encourage informed decision-making.

Addressing concerns about contraception

Contraceptives spark heated debates online, with personal stories and strong opinions dominating the conversation. Many users share personal experiences about side effects, such as longer menstrual cycles, depression, or weight gain from IUDs or the pill. Claims about stopping hormonal birth control often cause anxiety, while debates around male contraceptive options highlight societal concerns about responsibility and access.

BENEDMO’s work ensures that such discussions don’t go unchecked. Highly shared claims about contraception side effects or alternatives can be flagged, allowing investigative teams to analyze whether these concerns really align with clinical evidence.

Shedding light on cosmetic procedure misinformation

Cosmetic procedures might seem niche, but they’re a hot topic on social media, sparking endless conversations about beauty, health, and costs. Discussions about breast reductions, fillers and Botox often touch on physical health implications or societal costs, and misinformation in these areas can lead to unnecessary medical risks or missed opportunities for proper care.

By monitoring viral claims, we are better able to addresses concerns around the safety of specific procedures, insurance coverage conflicts and possible health complications. This then ensures the public receives verified and reliable information.

Fighting supplement misinformation

The popularity of dietary supplements has exploded online, along with discussions about their effectiveness. Claims about vitamin D dosages, magnesium absorption, and even alternative cancer treatments like fenbendazole and ivermectin are frequently shared, despite a lack of robust scientific backing for many of these assertions.

BENEDMO can categorize these widespread claims and check them against scientific evidence. For example, misinformation about the effectiveness of alternative treatments against serious diseases like cancer is identified early, allowing journalists to debunk these narratives swiftly. This proactive approach aims to protect vulnerable individuals who might otherwise rely on unproven or potentially harmful remedies.

Unpacking the self-help and self-diagnosis craze

The self-help craze and DIY diagnoses have flooded the internet with advice. Some is helpful, but much of it is unverified and risky. From discussions about waiting times for transgender care to debates on the validity of self-published health books, misinformation in this area can have direct consequences for mental health and wellbeing.

By tracking discussions around self-help claims, BENEDMO provides clarity on contentious topics, such as care options for transgender individuals, allowing journalists to verify and present factual information. This intervention bolsters trust in accredited healthcare providers while warning audiences about the risks of self-diagnosis.

The Factrank algorithm

The Factrank algorithm is the engine driving BENEDMO’s mission, zeroing in on the most viral and potentially harmful medical claims online. Factrank sifts through mountains of data to find claims that call for further investigation.

Through these efforts, BENEDMO can equip journalists with the resources they need to debunk misleading medical claims efficiently. By fine-tuning Factrank and making the claim-identification process more user-friendly, Textgain and BENEDMO can empower professionals at the frontlines of the misinformation battle.

To support BENEDMO’s work or learn more about their mission, visit their webpage or explore Textgain’s ongoing contributions to safer and more informed online spaces.