Abstract
This literature review examines how digital news and online health information (OHI) influence health knowledge and decision-making. This review focuses specifically on young adults, who increasingly rely on digital platforms for health information. Evidence indicates that OHI can support informed health decisions, such as lifestyle changes and self-care, particularly when individuals possess higher digital health literacy. However, the rise of social media, influencer marketing, and misinformation complicates these effects, making critical evaluation skills essential. Trust in digital health news is mediated by source credibility, exposure to misinformation, and individuals’ media and health literacy levels. Lower health literacy is associated with increased vulnerability to false or misleading information. Digital platforms also shape health information use through features, such as accessibility and regulatory actions aimed at reducing misinformation. The review underscores the importance of digital health literacy, fact-checking, and official actions to enable young adults to navigate online health content effectively.
Recommended Citation
Asatryan, Ellya
(2026)
"How Digital News Impacts Health Knowledge and Decisions,"
Pepperdine Journal of Communication Research: Vol. 14, Article 7.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/pjcr/vol14/iss1/7
