Does Misinformation on Social Media Affect Food Consumption Behavior? Insights from Bangladesh

In digital communication, social media offers numerous benefits for individuals and businesses, including building networks, facilitating collaboration, and promoting products. However, the rapid and widespread dissemination of misinformation about food on these platforms diminishes the public's ability to identify reliable sources. In this division of time, understanding the impact of social media food misinformation on consumers' food behavior is essential. A survey was conducted among over 200 consumers of the Dhaka South City Corporation. The results indicate that individuals with higher educational attainment and those who use YouTube and trust bloggers for food information are more susceptible to misinformation. While misinformation regarding the keto diet and food supplements showed statistically significant results, it was also found that it can temporarily deter consumers from eating certain foods, such as Sultan Dines biryani. Moreover, 25% of respondents share viral posts on social media without knowing the news is true. Promoting digital literacy through workshops and awareness campaigns is crucial in helping consumers differentiate between reliable information and misinformation. Additionally, strengthening regulatory frameworks and implementing stricter laws are essential to preventing the spread of misinformation.