Viral nonsense: Fact-Checking Instagram "Health" Influencers
There are a few important facts everyone should know about bottled water: it's popular, affordable and—thanks to stringent federal and state regulatory oversight—perfectly safe to consume. When you grab a bottled water from the cooler at a convenience store or a case at the supermarket, you can be confident that you're making a smart choice for yourself and your family.
Unfortunately, these facts have not stopped some social media influencers from perpetuating misinformation about bottled water and promoting false solutions. The proliferation of misleading claims on social media regarding bottled water reflects the growing trend of oversimplification and alarmism in health discussions. Some individuals and influencers are often quick to make sweeping claims about bottled water without looking into the facts, and they do this sometimes even for their own marketing purposes.
Take this recent video from Instagram creator Dr. Vivian Chen, a former family physician who is now making money through her Instagram account. Hers is one of several recent Instagram videos pushing an agenda without discussing the relevant science. Chen erroneously alleges that drinking bottled water is potentially dangerous.
While purportedly encouraging healthier habits, Chen is really presenting oversimplifications and misconceptions. But where is the evidence behind Chen's allegations? Before rushing to conclusions or adopting misleading advice (which often push you to purchasing products she advertises on her website) influencers like Chen should be more concerned with the facts.
The Endocrine Disruptor myth
Chen casually mentions that bottled water may contain additives like phthalates and BPA (Bisphenol A), chemicals used to enhance some plastic products, including reusable bottles. However, neither additive is found in PET, the plastic utilized to manufacture most single-serve water bottles. "Bottled water does not represent a relevant ingestion source of phthalates," one extensive study concluded. The same is true of BPA: PET bottles do not contain this particular chemical, which the FDA has said is safe for use in food packaging, meaning Chen's warning is built on a foundation of falsehoods.
Filters: pricier water with no added benefit
After alarming her audience, Chen recommends under-sink filters as a healthier alternative to bottled water. This is an odd conclusion for several reasons, the most important being that bottled water has to meet the FDA's rigorous safety standards before it can be sold. Encouraging consumers to purchase under-sink filters—which can cost more than $400 and require routine maintenance—burdens consumers with unnecessary labor and expenses since bottled water is just as safe.
Chen's advice is especially perplexing because she continues to consume bottled water when she travels. "I just traveled and drank from plastic bottles - and I don’t worry about that. Our bodies can eliminate toxins when it’s not in overwhelming amounts," she replied to a commenter on Instagram. Ironically, Chen is perfectly illustrating the indispensable value of bottled water: when she's thirsty on the go, she relies on the very product she urges her followers to avoid.
A Broader Context: Misleading Social Media Narratives
Chen and other influencers could use their platforms for the public good by promoting evidence-based solutions and encouraging critical thinking. Their goal should be to empower consumers to make choices that best fit their needs—not to scare them away from the healthiest drink on the shelf –– bottled water.