Study finds 75% of Instagram longevity influencers fail trustworthiness test

A new in-depth analysis of Instagram health content has uncovered troubling trends among top U.S. longevity influencers. According to a recent study, just one in four posts met basic trustworthiness standards, signaling a widespread issue of misinformation in the wellness space.

Researchers examined 200 recent posts from 20 of the most-followed longevity-focused influencers in the U.S., applying a detailed scientific scoring system to measure reliability. The findings? Only 49 posts (24.5%) qualified as “likely trustworthy.”

Among the most concerning statistics:

• A staggering 75% of the analyzed posts lacked proper references. Only seven (3.5%) cited credible scientific studies or government guidelines.

• Just 20% featured accurate scientific information.

• Nearly half (45.5%) of all posts were promotional in nature.

• While 73.5% avoided outright harmful advice, many included oversimplified or exaggerated health claims, often omitting important context.

“This isn’t just about bad content—it’s a public health issue,” the study noted. “Millions rely on these influencers for health guidance, and the majority of it is unverifiable or incomplete.”

The study also compared promotional content versus organic (non-promotional) posts and found distinct differences despite similar overall trustworthiness scores:

• Promotional posts were significantly less transparent about commercial intent.

• These posts used more exaggerated, clickbait-style language.

• Organic posts were more likely to offer balanced, nuanced explanations.

• Promotional content had a higher likelihood of recommending risky or unproven interventions.

How the Trustworthiness Score Was Calculated
Each post was evaluated using eight evidence-based criteria:

1. Scientific accuracy (19.5% passed)

2. Citing credible references (only 3.5%)

3. Clear sourcing of claims (25.5%)

4. Promotional transparency (26% disclosed intent)

5. Neutral tone (53% passed)

6. Avoiding exaggerated claims (50.5%)

7. Balanced explanation (25%)

8. Providing non-harmful advice (73.5%)

To be considered “likely trustworthy,” posts had to score at least 6 out of 8. Only 24.5% of posts achieved that threshold.

As influencer-driven health advice continues to gain traction, especially on visual-first platforms like Instagram, this research highlights the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and better digital literacy among audiences.

To access the full research, visit:
https://wellnesspulse.com/research/longevity-influencer-health-advice-trustworthy/