What if the influencer is... a doctor? I recently saw a TikTok from a self proclaimed doctor with about 500k likes about how Benadryl is not recommended as an antihistamine anymore compared to newer ones like Claritin because it can potentially cause dementia when habitually used for many years.
I don't know if it's true or not, but it's something I'd consider looking into further the next time I need to make a decision like that.
Interesting side note. I tried to actually find this TikTok and searched "benadryl" in TikTok's search and got this message instead of any search results:
>Be informed and aware
>Some substances can be dangerous when used or misused. Learn more about how drugs, alcohol and tobacco can affect your mind, body and behavior: https://www.tiktok.com/safety/substance-support/
But it's also important to acknowledge that doctors also give bad and incorrect medical advice. That's why the concept of "getting a second opinion" exists. I think especially in the United States, there are many maladaptive incentives that encourage this. In the United States, it's still routinely recommended by doctors to circumcise baby boys for supposed health purposes even though no other developed country does this for non religious reasons.
Dentists are notorious about this sort of thing:
- https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/05/the-tro...
- https://www.rd.com/article/how-honest-are-dentists/
I think the healthcare situation in the U.S. has given going to see a doctor this rarified air - like I had to fill out so many forms to go through this experience, I got to my appointment right on time and still had to wait 45 minutes, and will have to deal with so much hassle after it's done and probably a surprise bill or at least a phone call with either the doctor's office, or my health insurance company. It's like peasants seeking an audience with the king.