Covid-19 Influences the Influencers

The arrival of the coronavirus has really inspired tons of schemes that exploit the fear and uncertainty of people everywhere. From price gouging to phishing scams, these schemes are popping up everywhere and consumer complaints have jumped according to FTC data. The FTC and the FDA have issued warning letters to companies for marketing products like herbal tea or colloidal silver as ways to prevent or treat Covid-19. Some of these companies have responded to the warnings by taking down the claims or removed the products from their shelves, virtual or not. The FDA is obviously concerned that misleading advertising will lead consumers to put off or not seek appropriate medical attention.

Platforms like Facebook and Google have prohibited ads that capitalize on the coronavirus. Problem is, those pesky influencers have a work-around. They post their content as ordinary posts and not as ads, even when they are getting paid to create the content.

Since most of us are under shelter-in-place orders, the internet is getting a lot of play. People are searching for information and distractions more than ever. Influencers have noticed all of this consumer traffic online and are taking advantage of this opportunity and these unprecedented times we are living in.

Influencers are touting expertise in the areas that people are struggling with right now-keeping kids educated and entertained at home, how to cook restaurant-quality meals, how to stay fit at home and most importantly, how to stay healthy during a global pandemic. The new "stay-at-home economy" is calling their names and influencers everywhere all have dollar signs in their eyes.

Online, wellness staples like CBD, vitamin gummies, diet pills and turmeric are being marketed with increasing urgency during "these times." You know, #coronavirus. At this time, there are no vaccines or drugs with FDA approval to prevent or cure Covid-19. So keep that in mind.

And while plenty of influencers have been posting content that contains legit tips on how to stay healthy while at home, some are using their platforms to push false claims about Covid-19 that lack scientific proof, along with products that could be more harmful than helpful. There is a lot of bogus content about "boosting immunity" in an effort to protect against the coronavirus.

According to influencers, there are a bevy of products that are helpful to the immune system.. They are recommending tons of different vitamins and supplements that they claim will help to prevent the virus. Things like vitamin D and vitamin C. Seriously. They are marketing these products alongside pictures of the now iconic spiky coronavirus, you know, to make their point clear.

Studies do suggest that sufficient nutrition can help to improve the body's ability to fight off infections like the common cold. But that doesn't mean that any vitamin, in any amount, can help to ward off a viral illness.

Consumers should keep in mind that scientists and medical professionals rely on evidence-based studies to recommend products. They don't just create something then push a claim about it. The public should want to see the evidence behind any products claims to support any recommendations. Unfortunately, in this influencer culture we live in, people believe their wild claims. And influencers know that. Why else would they keep doing it? $ $ $ $

So please be mindful when you are browsing Instagram or watching your favorite Youtuber. Remember that influencers are not medical professionals or scientists, and they most likely have no idea what they are talking about. If you are interested in a product that they are pushing, do your research. Talk to your doctor about the product and the claims before you waste your money.

And I think that the most important thing to remember is that the FDA HAS NOT approved any cure or preventative product to fight the coronavirus. Healthy people with impeccable immune systems are coming down with the virus. Boosting your immunity won't help you. Don't fall victim to these scammy influencers.