Creating, publishing and spreading processes of health-related contents in internet news sites: Evaluation of the opinions of actors in health communication

In internet news sites, which are an essential source for society's access to health information, the quality of the content is vital because of its direct impact on the health of the individual and society. The risks that health-related content may pose for public health, with the effect of increasing information disorder, were evaluated with the opinions of the actors in health communication on the axis of the situation, problem, and solution. The research consists of three parts: In the first part, content analysis was made by examining 846 news from 11 internet news sites according to 133 criteria. Considering these findings, quantitative research (n=78) was conducted with the bureaucrats of the Ministry of Health, representatives of health professional associations and medical specialty associations, internet news professionals, and academicians. In the third part, in-depth interviews (n=15) were conducted to evaluate detailed opinions. It was determined that 23.2% of the contents were not based on a source, and the author was not specified in 63%. 96.2% of the participants stated that health misinformation in internet news poses a risk for public health, 100% said that certain standards should be observed while creating health-related content, 90.9% said that the main reason for the spread of health misinformation on the internet is the media, 93.5% stated that the gatekeepers inhibited the disclosure of fact, and 55.1% stated that the most important element in the struggle was education. For the solution, expectations from public institutions, academia, media on the axis of responsibility, supervision, and sanctions were compiled, and it was emphasized that the process should be carried out with a holistic approach and with the participation of all responsible stakeholders. In addition to the direct impact of health-related content on health, the crisis of trust caused by unethical professional practices undermines trust not only in the media, but in the science and values mediated by the media's responsibility as the gatekeeper and jeopardizes the effectiveness of public health gains and interventions. From a public health perspective, tackling disinformation with current legislation can only be a "treatment" for problems that continue to arise, but not a cure. The state should create an environment by considering the balance between the right to health and freedom of the press; that all members of society can fulfill their responsibilities; and should define responsibilities with stakeholders in the digital ecosystem and prioritize prevention and development with the principles of internal regulation to be created.