{"id":7713502,"date":"2025-07-14T21:16:38","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T21:16:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orionhealth.com\/?p=7713502"},"modified":"2025-09-15T23:35:53","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T23:35:53","slug":"why-digital-health-needs-more-than-just-technology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orionhealth.com\/nz\/blog\/why-digital-health-needs-more-than-just-technology\/","title":{"rendered":"From apps to impact: Why digital health must be more than technology"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In an era flooded with health apps, wearable devices, and wellness influencers, a sobering truth emerges: technology alone will not fix public health. While digital tools transform how younger generations engage with healthcare, especially Gen Z, studies consistently point to a more profound truth: digital health must be grounded in trust, literacy, and genuine human connection to deliver meaningful outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Gen Z’s healthcare engagement matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gen Z, born between 1996 and 2010, is entering a critical stage in healthcare engagement. By 2030, they are projected to contribute over $165 billion to annual healthcare spending in the US alone (McKinsey & Company, 2025). But they’re not interacting with the healthcare system in traditional ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Engagement Channels for Health Content<\/strong>1<\/sup>
Source: McKinsey & Company<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Only 42% of Gen Z rely on healthcare providers as their primary information source, compared to 59% of Baby Boomers. In contrast, 38% of Gen Z use platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram for health information. This creates both opportunities and risks. For example, nearly half of sinusitis-related videos on TikTok are posted by non-medical influencers, and fewer than half of those labelled “educational” are factually accurate. This misalignment underscores the fragile balance between accessibility and accuracy in digital health communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The power and pitfalls of influencers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The appeal of digital health advice from influencers is strong, especially when it’s emotionally relatable or visually appealing. But this often comes at the cost of accuracy. A 2024 Brazilian study showed that individuals with low digital health literacy were likelier to follow influencer-backed product recommendations and disregard professional medical guidance (de Oliveira Collet et al., 2024). On the other hand, those with high eHealth literacy were more discerning and more likely to verify information before acting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social Media’s double-edged sword<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Social media’s participatory nature does offer clear benefits, such as peer support, shared lived experiences, and democratised health dialogue. However, the absence of filters for misinformation amplifies risk. The problem isn’t the platform itself but how information is curated, validated, and interpreted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Clinicians’ Use of Social Media by Channel<\/strong>
Source: Waitemat\u0101 DHB Health Media Digital Health<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Literacy, not just access, drives impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The fundamental enabler isn’t the app; it’s the user’s ability to interpret and act on the information they consume. Research confirms that digital health literacy, more than access to digital tools, drives healthier behaviours. Without this foundation, even the best apps can entrench misinformation and widen health inequalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is digital health literacy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Digital health literacy is the ability to find, understand, assess, and use health information from digital sources to make informed health decisions. It involves technical skills and the capacity to evaluate the credibility of online content and effectively use tools like patient portals, apps, and websites. As digital platforms become more central to healthcare, digital health literacy is key to enabling individuals to navigate information safely and confidently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trust is a must<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Trust is another vital ingredient. Gen Z is more open to seeking mental health support than past generations, and 30% have seen a mental health professional in the last two years (McKinsey & Company, 2025). However, they’re also more likely to switch providers, making early, authentic relationship-building critical. Trust must be rooted in credibility, cultural fluency, and consistent engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rethinking digital health strategy: From tech push to human-centred ecosystems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Health systems need a mindset shift to translate digital tools into measurable public health outcomes. Rather than focusing solely on rolling out new apps, they must foster digital ecosystems that prioritise:<\/p>\n\n\n\n