Nurses' morale is being significantly impacted by the need to "constantly" correct misinformation, according to their union.
Members of the profession's union described staff as being "on the front line of confusion, fear and public scepticism."
While social media can be useful in destigmatising conditions like ADHD and autism, it has also led to a "misunderstanding" about what they "truly are", nurses said.
The debate on misinformation's impact on nurses took place at the Royal College of Nursing’s annual congress in Liverpool, where Charlotte Glynn, chair of the union’s Women’s Health Forum, addressed delegates.
She stated: "The widespread use of dynamic digital platforms and social media means that many people are effectively always online.
“Combined with long waiting lists, complex symptoms, and an unstable political climate, this can drive patients to seek clinical advice from unreliable sources.
“While myths and misinformation have always existed in healthcare, the speed and reach of online information today means that false and sometimes dangerous claims can spread to large audiences almost instantly."
Peace Yaa Akorli, of the RCN’s eastern region, said: “Nurses are increasingly placed on the front line of confusion, fear, and public scepticism.
“As nurses, we are often the first person patients turn to for reassurance and clarity. But constantly correcting misinformation can be emotionally exhausting, time consuming and, at times, damaging the trust between the healthcare professionals and the community.
“This has a direct impact on the nursing workforce; increased stress, burnout, verbal abuse, and frustration contribute to low morale and staff retention challenges.
“Nurses are expected to not only provide safe clinical care, but also to fight an ongoing battle against myths and false narratives.”
However, Ms Akorli said the situation is also an “opportunity” for nurses, who can “rebuild the trust and empower patients too with accurate information”.
Mental health nurse Clare Manley, the RCN’s Cheshire branch chair, also highlighted that social media has created a surge in demand for services in autism and ADHD.
She said platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have helped people have “open conversations and reduced stigma” but also “heightened expectations” and in some cases have led to a “misunderstanding of what ADHD and autism truly are”.
“This inflammation of public perception places strain on stretched services and individuals,” Ms Manley said.
“Nurses navigate longer waiting lists, complex presentations, and a growing pressure to deliver rapid answers in a system designed for thoughtful, evidence-based assessment. It affects morale, retention, and the emotional labour that we carry.
“For patients, social media can shape expectations in ways that don’t always align with clinical reality. Many arrive hoping for instant diagnoses or instant treatment, and more importantly, instant transformation.”
Annafleur van Mourik Broekman, who works in public health education specialising in vaccination, told delegates she deals with the impact of misinformation “every single day”.
She also stressed that nurses are also members of the public and are “not immune” to misinformation.
“I think we’re seeing the tip of the iceberg now, and I fear we’re not prepared for what is to come,” Ms Mourik Broekman said.
“AI-generated misinformation content has been identified as a significant risk to public health in multiple scientific studies, and has potential to deliver personalised information and advice. I think this is a threat we should take really, really seriously.
