Online misinformation putting women off contraceptive pill, study finds

<p>Researchers say social media myths drive ‘nocebo effect’ of side-effects that are real but psychological in origin </p><p>Social media misinformation about the contraceptive pill is encouraging women to view it so negatively that many give it up, a study has found.</p><p>Researchers have identified myths spread on TikTok and other social media platforms as a key driver of users suffering side-effects that are real but psychological in origin. It is called the “nocebo effect”, the opposite of the better-known placebo effect.</p><p>An expectation at the outset that the pill will be harmful.</p><p>Low confidence in how medicines are developed.</p><p>A belief that medicines are overused and harmful.</p><p>A belief that they are sensitive to medicines.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/sep/13/online-misinformation-putting-women-off-contraceptive-pill-study-finds">Continue reading...</a>