The variable quality of health information online poses a significant challenge to health communication practice. Therefore, a better understanding of the quality of online information and its consequences for health is needed to inform approaches for effectively communicating evidence-based cancer information to the public.
Several key research questions include:
- What is the quality of cancer-related information on social media platforms?
- What are the real-world consequences of exposure to online health information?
- How do different populations access and respond to online health information?
- How do individuals process and assess information quality and source credibility when interacting with social media content? What factors are most salient in determining information trustworthiness?
- What are the most effective ways to meet people's cancer information needs and foster health and science literacy?
Funding Opportunities
| Title | Announcement # | Expiration Date | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innovative Approaches to Studying Cancer Communication in the New Information Ecosystem |
PA-25-294 (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) PA-25-295 (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) |
September 08, 2025 |
240-281-5934 |
AJPH special issue about social media health information
NCI partnered with the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) to publish a special issue highlighting cutting-edge research that addresses critical issues surrounding health information on social media. Published on October 1, 2020, the special issue showcases various approaches to a rapidly expanding research area and addresses topics such as unproven cancer treatments and rumors about emerging infectious diseases.
Special Issue of American Journal of Public Health
Supplement 3, p268-355
