Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword: A Source of Both Information and Misinformation on Menstruation
New Delhi – A recent survey conducted by everteen, ahead of Menstrual Hygiene Day, reveals a complex relationship between Indian women and social media regarding menstrual health. While the platforms serve as a significant source of information for many, they also contribute to the spread of harmful misinformation, creating a precarious landscape for those seeking reliable guidance.
The everteen Menstrual Hygiene Survey, now in its tenth year, polled 1,152 women across India, primarily aged 19-35 with a majority holding graduate or higher degrees. The survey found that a striking 71.6% of respondents view social media as a good source of information on menstruation. However, this trust appears to waver during emergencies, with only 11.5% turning to social media as their primary resource.
This disparity highlights the underlying issue of misinformation plaguing these platforms. Despite the positive impact of influencers and bloggers in raising awareness, many women reported encountering misleading and potentially damaging content. False claims linking delayed periods exclusively to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOD), ineffective home remedies, and myths discouraging exercise during menstruation are just a few examples of the misinformation circulating online. Some respondents even encountered advice promoting lemonade or coffee for menstrual cramps, remedies known to exacerbate symptoms.
The survey underscores a critical need for greater responsibility within the online community to prioritize accurate and fact-based information. Chirag Pan, CEO of PAN Healthcare, emphasizes the role influencers play in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). He urges them to cultivate viewer trust by diligently providing verified information and avoiding the spread of unsubstantiated claims.
Beyond misinformation, the survey also reveals a significant gap in awareness regarding effective menstrual pain management. While a staggering 82.7% of respondents experienced mild to severe pain, 41.5% reported using no form of pain relief. This highlights the need for increased education and awareness about available options beyond traditional painkillers, including alternatives like menstrual cramp roll-ons, which only 5.5% of the respondents were aware of.
The survey findings further indicate the persistence of harmful menstrual taboos and myths propagated through social media. Misconceptions about menstrual blood being impure, restrictions on women’s activities during their periods, and false claims about dietary restrictions continue to circulate online. Other misleading notions, such as linking light flow to infertility or claiming that women cannot conceive during menstruation, perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to unnecessary anxiety. Fear-mongering regarding tampon use and menstrual cups has also contributed to a hesitancy to adopt these alternative menstrual products.
Despite the prevalence of misinformation and harmful stereotypes, the survey also highlights some encouraging trends. The adoption of disposable period panties is on the rise (5.7%), surpassing menstrual cups (4.7%) and tampons (1.6%) in popularity. While sanitary pads remain the dominant choice (87.8%), this shift suggests a growing openness to exploring alternative menstrual products, albeit with a clear need for accurate information and education to guide these choices.
Ultimately, the everteen Menstrual Hygiene Survey paints a complex picture of social media’s role in shaping perceptions and practices surrounding menstruation in India. While the platforms offer invaluable access to information and facilitate open conversations around menstrual health, they simultaneously harbor a significant amount of misinformation that can mislead and potentially harm. The findings call for a concerted effort to combat misinformation and promote accurate, evidence-based information, empowering women to make informed decisions about their menstrual health. This requires a multi-pronged approach, involving responsible content creation by influencers and bloggers, increased digital literacy among users, and continued efforts by healthcare professionals and organizations to disseminate accurate information.