Online misinformation

What Happened

Pet-related misinformation, such as raw feeding “advice”, anti-vaccine messaging, homemade diets, and unqualified behaviour training, all rapidly spread on TikTok-like platforms. Non-veterinary influencers often get more traction than a qualified professional.

Analysis

Key MMI angles:

• Such misinformation may pose harm to the welfare of the animals (lack of nutrition, disease outbreaks that can be prevented).
• Veterinarians should correct false information but not lose their customers' trust, a difficult task in terms of communication.
• This fact calls for vets to be more present online to counteract the spread of erroneous information.
• Raises questions concerning digital literacy, the trust given by the public, and professional responsibility.