Poll: Most Americans Encounter Health Misinformation, and Most Aren’t Sure Whether It’s True or False

A new KFF survey reveals the broad reach of health misinformation, with at least four in 10 people saying that they’ve heard each of 10 specific false claims about COVID-19, reproductive health, and gun violence. The new survey is one component of a new KFF program area aimed at identifying and monitoring health misinformation and trust in the U.S., placing particular emphasis on communities that are most adversely affected by misinformation, such as people of color, immigrants and rural communities.

KFF will also soon release a regular “Health Misinformation Monitor,” which will document emerging health misinformation, identify its primary sources, and examine the role that social media and news outlets play in its spread.