Garth Graham, the global head of healthcare and public health at YouTube, believes that the platform plays a crucial role in providing valuable information to people worldwide. He emphasized the importance of responsibility in delivering accurate and evidence-based content, especially when it comes to health information. Graham, who is also a practicing cardiologist, shared his mission to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health.
In a recent interview, Graham discussed YouTube Health’s efforts to combat health misinformation, support underserved communities and creators, and protect youth mental health. He highlighted the significance of engaging users with plain-language, evidence-based content, particularly in light of the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic regarding the evolving nature of science communication.
YouTube Health has implemented various strategies to address health misinformation on the platform. They remove dangerous and low-quality information while promoting high-quality content from authoritative sources, such as licensed doctors and accredited hospitals. Additionally, YouTube Health utilizes “shelves” to showcase reliable health information early in users’ health journeys, ensuring they have access to accurate and credible resources.
Graham emphasized the importance of striking a balance between free speech and misinformation, noting that content deemed harmful and dangerous is promptly removed from the platform. He acknowledged the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly the need to educate the public about the evolving nature of science and the importance of diverse voices in health communication.
To further build trust with users and combat misinformation, YouTube Health redirects viewers to credible sources like the CDC and WHO for additional information on topics prone to misinformation, such as women’s health and vaccines. By delivering authoritative and engaging content from a variety of sources, YouTube Health aims to provide users with high-quality health information that addresses their questions and concerns effectively.
Graham highlighted the role of authoritative accounts, including hospitals, government entities, and individual doctors like Dr. Mike and Dr. Reena Malik, in promoting evidence-based health information on the platform. By labeling and featuring these accounts early in users’ health journeys, YouTube Health aims to increase engagement with authoritative sources and enhance the overall quality of health content available to viewers.
In addition to promoting authoritative sources, YouTube Health is committed to protecting youth mental health by limiting exposure to harmful content related to social comparisons and eating disorders. The platform works to disperse such content to prevent young individuals from being negatively influenced by repetitive exposure to potentially harmful material.
Furthermore, YouTube Health is dedicated to driving change towards health equity by supporting underrepresented health creators through programs like The-IQ. By amplifying the voices of minority populations and providing training and support to underrepresented creators, YouTube Health aims to foster diversity and inclusivity in health information dissemination on the platform.
