The “Partnership for America’s Health Care Future,” a lobby group representing the private health industry, uses tactics similar to those of Big Tobacco to sway public opinion against universal health care in the U.S. This insight comes from a study by Kendra Chow from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, published in PLOS Global Public Health.
Surprisingly, the U.S. is the only wealthy nation without universal health insurance. Currently, about 31.6 million Americans lack coverage, and, despite spending the most on healthcare, the U.S. ranks last among high-income countries in access, efficiency, and health outcomes.
In 2019, the Partnership launched a campaign on Facebook and Instagram, aiming to stir opposition to universal health care. Researchers analyzed 1,675 paid ads shown to Meta users between May 2018 and September 2021. These ads reached an impressive 32.6 to 40.7 million users.
The campaign highlighted five key themes:
- Negative impact on healthcare: Ads often claimed that UHC would lead to higher costs and longer wait times.
- Loss of individual choice: The narrative suggested that a government-run system would limit personal freedom.
- Misrepresentation of goals: The ads distorted the intentions behind proposed legislation.
- Promoting current partnerships: They suggested fixing the existing system rather than overhauling it.
- Targeted appeals: Specific groups, such as mothers and seniors, were depicted to resonate emotionally.
Interestingly, the campaign’s strategies mirror tactics used by industries like tobacco and alcohol to create doubt and fear about policy changes. While Meta doesn’t disclose details about ad targeting, the study calls for more scrutiny of how social media influences public health discussions.
The article also notes that the recent U.S. budget bill could jeopardize healthcare access for nearly 12 million Americans. With Meta rolling back its fact-checking policies and lacking transparency, health-harming industries find ample opportunity to prioritize profits over public well-being.
In a digital age where misinformation spreads like wildfire, understanding these strategies is crucial. Social media platforms play a significant role in shaping conversations about health policy, often favoring profit over the public’s health.
For more detailed insights, you can read the study here: PLOS Global Public Health.
Source link
Tobacco, Health Care, Health Insurance, Healthcare, Hygiene, Medicine, Public Health, Research
