How confident are you finding trusted health information online?

The way we access health information has changed.

Thousands of people across Essex search online every day for information about symptoms, treatments and healthy living. Many people now use search engines, social media, websites, online videos, messaging apps and increasingly artificial intelligence (AI) tools to find health advice.

The internet has made health information more accessible than ever before. But with so much information available, it can sometimes be difficult to know what is accurate, trustworthy and up to date.

That's why NHS Essex is developing Think. Check. Trust. – a new campaign to help people across Essex feel more confident finding and using trusted health information online.

Before we launch the campaign, we'd like to hear about your experiences.

Why this matters

Online health misinformation is a growing challenge across the UK.

Recent research found that:

• 4 in 10 UK adults had encountered misinformation or deepfake content in the previous four weeks.

• 71% of those who encountered misinformation had seen it online.

• Health and medical information is one of the most common topics where people report seeing misleading or inaccurate information online.

NHS England has also described online health misinformation as"a real threat to public health".

Misleading health information can have real consequences. Some people delay seeking treatment, self-diagnose conditions or make decisions about their health based on inaccurate advice they have seen online.

By understanding how people in Essex find and use health information, we can create practical resources that make it easier to find information they can trust and make informed decisions about their health.

What we're asking

We'd like to better understand:

• where you get your health information

• how confident you feel identifying trustworthy information

• whether you've come across misleading or inaccurate health information online

• what support would help you make informed decisions about your health

• how we can develop resources and campaigns that meet the needs of local communities.

About the survey

The survey:

• takes around five minutes to complete

• is anonymous

• is open to anyone aged 16 or over who lives in Essex

• will help shape future communications, resources and support from NHS Essex.

Your views matter

Every response will help us better understand how people access health information today and the challenges they face when deciding what to trust.

Whether you regularly search online for health advice, use social media every day or have ever been unsure whether health information is accurate, we'd like to hear from you.

Your feedback will directly shape our Think. Check. Trust. campaign and help us develop practical tools, advice and resources that support people across Essex to make informed decisions about their health.

Together, we can help more people find trusted health information, make informed choices and support our mission of making health services in Essex better.

Take part

The survey takes around five minutes to complete. You can access it below and it will close at 5pm on 31 August.

Thank you for taking the time to share your views.

Sources

• Ofcom (2024) – Four in ten UK adults have encountered misinformation or deepfake content: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/media-use-and-attitudes/attitudes-to-news/four-in-10-uk-adults-encounter-misinformation

• NHS England – National response to online health misinformation and trusted health information on social media.