--- title: "TikTok Doctors Influence Gen Z Perception of Medical Professionals" url: https://newscentral.site/tiktok-doctors-influence-gen-z-perception-of-medical-professionals/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Science" published: 2026-10-06T15:00:10.000Z updated: 2026-10-06T15:39:13.267Z id: ba368eb2-fe70-4969-9754-1aae3ff90eb5 source: "Phys.org https://phys.org/news/2026-10-popular-tiktok-docs-big-gen.html" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/tiktok-doctors-influence-gen-z-perception-of-medical-professionals/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # TikTok Doctors Influence Gen Z Perception of Medical Professionals A new study found that young adults perceive physicians who use social media as more approachable and trustworthy than their own medical professionals. A new study from Virginia Commonwealth University has shed light on the significant influence that popular TikTok doctors have over their Gen Z followers. According to the research, these young adults perceive physicians who use social media as more approachable and trustworthy than their own medical professionals. The study found that even when physician-influencers are promoting products, their followers still see them in a positive light. This is particularly striking given that many of these individuals have not verified the medical credentials of the influencers they follow on TikTok. It appears that the mere presence of a doctor on social media can carry significant weight with young consumers. The researchers attribute this phenomenon to the fact that people are already inclined to trust experts, and the addition of a doctor's social media presence amplifies this effect. "We're already trained to respond positively to credentialed experts," said Suzanne Makarem, co-author of the study and associate professor of marketing at VCU. Makarem notes that the fact that these doctors are choosing to use their influence for educational purposes can actually increase their credibility in the eyes of their followers. "They're taking the time to educate me," one respondent is quoted as saying about a physician-influencer they admire. The researchers have dubbed this phenomenon the "mere social media presence effect." This suggests that simply having a doctor's endorsement on social media may carry more weight than advice from a person's own medical professional. Gen Zers have been found to rely heavily on social media for health information, a trend that is significantly more prevalent among this age group than in previous generations. Researchers analyzed 330 TikTok videos featuring 11 U.S.-based medical doctors who have gained significant influence and following on the platform. These "mega influencers" use their online presence to share health-related content with their millions of followers. The study's findings suggest that these physician-influencers are distinct from other social media personalities, as they tend to present themselves in a more professional manner while still sharing personal details about their lives. They often wear medical attire, even when discussing non-medical topics, which appears to have a significant impact on their credibility with followers. Followers of these physicians seem to be swayed by the accoutrements of medicine that they display online, such as stethoscopes and diplomas hanging on walls. The researchers found that followers were willing to accept the physicians' credentials at face value, even if they had not been verified. The physician-influencers also use their platforms to promote their own products and services, demonstrating a clear financial motivation for their actions. By showcasing themselves exercising, using supplements, and promoting books they have written, these influencers are able to build trust with their followers while generating income. Young followers on TikTok are not deterred by the financial motivations behind their favorite doctors' online presence. They tend to view these physicians as genuine experts who genuinely care about their health and wellbeing, rather than just trying to make a profit. The researchers found that followers of these TikTok doctors have high levels of adherence to their advice, with many buying products or following treatment plans recommended by the influencers. This level of trust is likely due in part to the personalized nature of social media, where users can engage directly with the people they admire and feel like they're getting tailored guidance. When asked about their experiences with traditional healthcare providers, followers often report feeling disconnected and unvalued. Physicians who have hesitated to join social media may want to reconsider their stance, as a significant number of health and wellness influencers on platforms are unconventional medical professionals. According to research, conventional medical professionals such as doctors, dentists, and nurses make up only about 17% of the health and wellness influencers online. This is despite the potential benefits of using social media to connect with patients and promote their work. Physicians who do decide to join social media can be effective in promoting their expertise and values, and may even find that it helps them build stronger relationships with their patients. --- Source: [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-10-popular-tiktok-docs-big-gen.html) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/tiktok-doctors-influence-gen-z-perception-of-medical-professionals/