# Digital health misinformation and pseudomedical scams > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/digital-health-misinformation-and-pseudomedical-scams > Updated: 2026-08-23T18:45:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The digital landscape is seeing a rise in health misinformation, a phenomenon the World Health Organization (WHO) describes as an ‘infodemic’. This trend is driven by social media algorithms that favor sensationalist content, the use of false authority by creators, and the emotional urgency of users seeking rapid medical solutions. Such misinformation can lead to delayed diagnoses of serious conditions and dangerous interactions with unregulated supplements. Recent research, specifically the report ‘Wojna o zaufanie. Biały fartuch jako broń dezinformacji zdrowotnej’, highlights how scammers utilize trust-building techniques and fear to market ineffective pseudomedical products online. While these deceptive practices were previously common in print and television, the internet has become the primary medium for these scams. Although seniors are frequent targets, there is an increasing trend of 30- and 40-year-olds using the internet to manage health concerns and encountering these deceptive advertisements. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-23: Medical disinformation report highlights rise in online pseudomedical scams A report by Marcin Merchel reveals how scammers use internet advertising and medical disinformation to sell pseudomedical products to consumers of all ages. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/medical-disinformation-report-highlights-rise-in-online-pseudomedical-scams ### 2026-08-13: Health misinformation and the rise of digital infodemics The rise of health misinformation and ‘infodemics’ on social media poses serious risks, including delayed medical diagnoses and dangerous drug interactions caused by unverified viral advice. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/health-misinformation-and-the-rise-of-digital-infodemics --- Cite as: Digital health misinformation and pseudomedical scams. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/digital-health-misinformation-and-pseudomedical-scams