I was recently invited to speak at the HIVE conference in Chicago to share strategies on how to correct false information in Veterinary medicine. What I didn’t expect but perhaps should have, was how urgently we all needed a reminder that misinformation isn’t just “out there.” It’s part of our daily lives, often showing up on our feeds, in conversations, and even in our professional decisions.
And sometimes, we’re the ones spreading it . . . without even realizing it.
We live in a world of constant information. But it’s not all created equal.
According to the NIH, up to 84% of online health-related content contains misinformation. Think about that. If nearly nine out of ten posts you see about health are at least partly inaccurate, what does that say about everything else we casually consume and share?
This isn’t just a Veterinary problem. It’s a societal one.
Information. Misinformation. Disinformation. Know the Difference.
- Information is accurate, verified content meant to inform and educate.
- Misinformation is false or misleading information shared by someone who believes it’s true. There’s no harmful intent, but the damage can still be real.
- Disinformation is intentionally false information, spread deliberately to deceive or manipulate.
In our hyper-connected world, it’s easier than ever to see something, believe it, and share it. One click is all it takes. But what if we stopped to ask ourselves a few questions first?
- Why am I sharing this?
- Who might be impacted?
- Where did this information actually come from?
The speed and ease of sharing have created a dangerous shortcut between emotion and action. And unfortunately, emotionally charged content is exactly what social media algorithms reward. Bots, fake accounts, echo chambers, and outrage culture all feed this cycle. Misinformation isn’t just spreading, it’s thriving.
We All Have a Role to Play
At The Bridge Club, we’re fortunate to serve as a hub where people can speak candidly about what’s happening in Veterinary medicine. Over the last year, I’ve heard from countless professionals across the industry, and one common thread is becoming clear: we’re not just battling burnout and economic pressures—we’re also battling noise.
False claims about anesthesia, diet, vaccines, and procedures don’t just stay online. They show up in our exam rooms. They shape public opinion. And they lead to confusion, mistrust, and in some cases, harmful decisions for pets.
But here’s the thing: misinformation doesn’t always come from a bad place. Sometimes it’s shared by someone who genuinely wants to help or who feels passionate about a topic. And it is their tone, their relationship to us, and the timing that makes us believe what we see.
Take Personal Stock—We All Need To
In a world where negativity and division are growing, now is the time to take personal responsibility for how we interact online and what we choose to amplify. Every share, post, and comment can either reinforce truth or spread confusion.
Before you post, ask yourself:
- Is it true?
- Is it timely?
- Is it necessary?
- Is it kind?
And perhaps most importantly, is it helpful?
We are each responsible for the impact of what we share, whether we intended it or not. In Veterinary medicine and beyond, truth should be a shared value. Let’s recommit to being thoughtful stewards of information and make clarity, not conflict, our goal.