Half of oncologists note their cancer patients are turning to AI tools for information before, during, and after their diagnosis and treatment, according to a recent survey of oncologists from Impiricus and Klick Health. As patients adopt more AI for health information, pharma marketers have a growing opportunity to help physicians navigate the new dynamic. Marketers can offer physicians training on how to discuss and correct AI-generated information, and by providing credible, easy-to-understand resources grounded in evidence.

The news: President Trump fired the head of the CDC less than a month after she was approved by the Senate. At least four other senior leaders at the agency also resigned. Director Susan Monarez accused HHS and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of “weaponizing public health for political gain and putting millions of American lives at risk” per a statement from her lawyers. Our take: Healthcare brands and pharma marketers need to take the lead and create science-based messaging about vaccines to counter misinformation. They can partner with influencer physicians on social media (where misinformation abounds) with engaging edutainment, and lean into local efforts with community partners like sponsored health screenings or free vaccine days.

The news: A study commissioned by UK Bank TSB found that 55% of people who acted on financial advice found on social media lost money. This highlights the substantial risk associated with such advice and a real opportunity for banks to build brand trust online. Our take: Financial institutions (FIs) have a role to play in dispelling financial misinformation on social media. In addition, they have a chance to build trust with young social media users, especially when responding to viral trends with facts and informing consumers whether they should take the steps recommended in viral videos. Responding to viral trends in a meaningful way can boost brand awareness and cause social media users to turn to an FI first, before their favorite influencers.

A growing majority worry AI will distort news, cut jobs, and mislead audiences—pressuring media brands to prioritize transparency and human oversight in AI use.

Influencers are advising people to take their money from banks and deposit it with a credit union.

In today’s episode, host Bill Fisher is joined by analysts Paul Briggs, Matteo Ceurvels, and Jasmine Enberg to discuss the pervasive nature of digital in political campaigning. How big is the disinformation problem? And are we in line for an existential AI crisis when it comes to political messaging?

Banks cannot meaningfully engage consumers without using social media, but it’s exposing them to more potential brand damage than ever. They must understand emerging risks and prepare to combat them.

In 2024, a perfect storm of technology, business, and consumer behavior trends will conspire to intensify the challenges of protecting brands on digital media.

64% of US adults think disinformation and “fake news” are most widespread on social media, according to a September 2023 survey from UNESCO and Ipsos.

Twitter in transition: Upheaval follows the leadership change at Twitter as it grapples with ramping up profits and drumming up advertising revenue just as brands and users question its content moderation policies.

Big Tech vs. SCOTUS: Social media regulation goes before the Supreme Court, with a lawsuit against Google in focus. Rulings could have major implications for user content on the internet.

User trust in the major social platforms is down this year, according to our sixth annual benchmark survey, especially in the areas of privacy, safety, and ad relevance. Trust affects ad engagement, and in a year when ad revenue growth is slowing for many platforms, it’s imperative that they stem the declines.

Energy independence undermined: A group is using propaganda to keep other countries dependent on rare-earth minerals from China. As more disinformation looms, social media companies could help stop it.

Deepfake AI training blocked at Google: Some face-altering AI models are being refused but others can still run in Google’s Colaboratory, revealing a porous approach to AI self-regulation.

Facebook has a cyber mercenary problem: Meta blocks 1,500 Facebook and Instagram accounts that targeted over 50,000 users—potentially the tip of a wider surveillance iceberg and another smear on Facebook’s reputation.

Our fifth annual primary research survey reveals the level of trust US social media users have in nine major social platforms, and the role trust plays in the willingness to engage with advertising on those platforms.

In 2021, we expect more major marketers will pull or severely restrict their ad spending on social media platforms due to brand safety or ethical concerns.