Addressing cancer-related nutritional misinformation on social media through the strengthening of online patient platforms
A value-sensitive approach
M.L. Kragtwijk (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)
L. Marin – Mentor (TU Delft - Ethics & Philosophy of Technology)
R.I.J. Dobbe – Mentor (TU Delft - Information and Communication Technology)
G. de Vries – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Organisation & Governance)
More Info
expand_more
Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.
Abstract
Misinformation about nutrition during cancer is a prominent form of online health misinformation. As more cancer patients turn to the internet for information about their diagnosis, they may encounter content that promotes exaggerated claims about diets, supplements, or “superfoods” that supposedly cure cancer or improve outcomes. Commercial social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube play an important role in the spread of such claims, as their engagement-driven infrastructures often amplify misleading information over evidence-based guidance. This thesis investigates how online patient platforms can contribute to mitigating nutrition-related misinformation within this digital information environment, by applying the value-sensitive design methodology to analyse the personal, cultural and infrastructural values shaping online cancer nutrition communication. Empirical data from user discussions on commercial social media platforms and a Dutch online patient platfrom are systematically compared through qualitative content analysis. The study identifies five personal values guiding user engagement: community, safety, freedom, health, and knowledge. These values reveal how users navigate cancer-related nutrition information across different online environments.
Based on these insights, the thesis formulates recommendations for policy, organisation, and platform design aimed at strengthening the role of online patient platforms in addressing nutrition-related misinformation.