Women’s Health in the Digital Age: Social Media Use, Trust in Science, and Regulatory Challenges
Women’s Health in the Digital Age: Social Media Use, Trust in Science, and Regulatory Challenges
Name of applicant
Emma Grundtvig Gram
Title
PhD Student
Institution
University of Sydney
Amount
DKK 1,843,550
Year
2026
Type of grant
Internationalisation Fellowships
What?
People are increasingly turning to social media to learn about health and science, with as many as 44% of Danes now relying on it as their main news source. Although this can make science more accessible, it can also have unintended negative effects, as up to 87% of the content may be misleading or even encourage harmful ideas.
Why?
Misleading or simplified messages can distort trust in science, shape unrealistic expectations of care, and contribute to unnecessary or harmful health interventions. Understanding these dynamics is essential to address broader societal, ethical, and equity-related consequences.
How?
This project examines how citizens navigate health information in a digital environment. It investigates the ethical and societal implications of social media health content, including its impact on trust in science, healthcare expectations, and the regulatory conditions shaping this information landscape.