Engagement With Influencers as Sources of Health Information and Product Promotions: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Austrian Youth Aged 15–25 Years

Influencers play a prominent role in shaping young people's attitudes and health behaviors. Targeted educational efforts are crucial to help youth critically evaluate influencers' health content. The findings also underscore the urgent need for policies to protect young people from harmful marketing practices, such as promoting ultraprocessed foods and untested supplements, and point to the importance of addressing individual differences, such as gender and parasocial dynamics, which may shape how influencer content is perceived and acted upon.