Core Viewpoint - The rise of "pseudo-science" in online health education is leading to the exploitation of medical professionals for profit, undermining public trust and risking patient health [1][2][6] Group 1: Current Issues in Online Health Education - Many medical professionals are misusing their authority to promote products under the guise of health education, leading to a blend of misinformation and commercial interests [2][4] - A significant portion of the audience, 92.1% of 1.074 billion online viewers, has encountered health education content on short video platforms, with 63% regularly following health accounts [2] - There are instances of non-medical individuals impersonating doctors to sell health products, which raises serious ethical concerns [3][4] Group 2: Profit-Driven Practices - The practice of using health education as a means to drive sales is becoming a common, albeit unethical, strategy within the industry [4][6] - Some "influencer doctors" are reported to earn high commissions, sometimes up to 60%, from product promotions, indicating a lucrative but questionable business model [4][6] - The lack of stringent identity verification on platforms allows unqualified individuals to exploit the system, further complicating the issue [4][8] Group 3: Regulatory Responses and Recommendations - There is a growing recognition of the need for regulatory measures to address the rampant issues in online health education, with some regions already implementing guidelines [7][8] - Experts suggest that regulatory bodies should refine laws to close loopholes and establish a "negative list" for online health education to combat fraudulent practices [7][8] - Online platforms are urged to enhance their monitoring capabilities to prevent the rise of "fake doctors" and promote genuine health education [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the dual nature of the medical knowledge dissemination ecosystem on social media, where some medical professionals misuse their authority for commercial gain, leading to the need for regulatory measures to ensure ethical practices in health-related content [5][10][12]. Group 1: Medical Professionals and Commercialization - Some medical professionals are using their authority to promote non-medical products, such as hand creams and dietary supplements, under the guise of health education [5][6]. - Certain influencers are misrepresenting their professional identities by using titles like "doctor" or wearing lab coats to gain credibility while promoting products [7][10]. - There are instances where medical professionals provide misleading information or promote unrelated products, such as a urologist discussing foot fungus treatments, which raises ethical concerns [8][10]. Group 2: Regulatory Measures - In March, Shanghai introduced the first "negative behavior list" for internet health education, outlining prohibited actions such as disguised product promotion and collaboration with disreputable agencies [5][11]. - The article mentions that existing laws already impose strict regulations on medical advertising and the conduct of medical professionals online, including penalties for impersonating doctors or providing unauthorized medical advice [11][12]. - The need for a return to the altruistic roots of medical practice is emphasized, advocating for a healthier online environment that prioritizes public benefit over commercial interests [12].