Ethical dilemma in dietetics: Should dieticians engage in paid partnerships?

Abstract

With global shifts towards social media as a new way of communicating and receiving information, medical fields must adapt to trends, to maximise reach for providing accurate, evidence-based advice to the general public and call out or clarify mis-information that can be potentially harmful. We have seen instances of mis-information causing harm in the past. Wellness influencers like Belle Gibson promote dangerous pseudoscience as a cure for disease, where an Australian cookbook author faked having cancer to convince her followers that she cured it through healthy eating habits and exercise. Similarly, in Ireland we have seen The Happy Pear influencers making factually incorrect claims on reducing breast cancer risk. Scandals like these confirm the need for healthcare services and professionals to have a strong social media presence, to monitor and counter unqualified, inaccurate health advice that is rampant throughout the internet. It is critical that social media is used ethically and professionally, to represent dietetics as a profession and field of scientific study.