
According to McGill University, a new survey by the Canadian Medical Association found 37 per cent of respondents took medical advice they found online because they don’t have access to a doctor, leading to significant health consequences for many. It also found misinformation is causing mental distress for a growing number of Canadians.
The 2025 CMA Health & Media Annual Tracking Survey, conducted by Abacus Data, revealed that 37% of Canadians say they’re left with no choice but to seek health information online because they don’t have access to a doctor. And 23% report they have had a negative health reaction from following online health advice. An increasing number of Canadians (43%) also say they are experiencing mental distress or increased anxiety due to misinformation.
The CMA is concerned that social media algorithms designed to drive the platforms’ engagement end up pushing misinformation into people’s feeds – whether users want to see it or not. As this study shows, what’s good for Big Tech’s bottom line is not good for Canadians’ health.
“About 6.5 million Canadians don’t have a primary care provider, and that is pushing people to find solutions to their health problems on their own, online,” says Dr. Joss Reimer, CMA president, in a media release. “We’re calling on all social media platforms to take accountability for the impact misinformation is having on the health of Canadians and take immediate action to stop it.”
Additionally, 43% of Canadians are highly vulnerable to believing misinformation, according to the CMA survey, while an additional 35% are moderately susceptible. According to the survey, most Canadians feel that access to trusted health information empowers them to stay well-informed and better combat the spread of misinformation.
– JC