Young adults’ digital information sources for a healthy diet: judging trust and credibility

Abstract Background Lifestyle-related diseases present challenges for healthcare systems globally. Empowering individuals to assume responsibility of their health is essential as it relies on their access to reliable health and nutritional information. Informing individuals serves as a crucial pillar for encouraging healthy behaviors. This scoping review examines how young adults perceive and assess the trustworthiness of digital information sources they use to inform themselves about a healthy diet. Methods We conducted a scoping review with a comprehensive search of 4 databases and grey literature up to 12/2024, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. After a two-stage screening process by two reviewers 24 articles and 24 other documents were included. The coding of trust- and credibility-influencing factors is based on the Misinformation Receptivity Framework and the Online Credibility Framework. Results Most of the studies are from high-income countries (n = 18). Diet topics covered were general nutrition, dietary supplements, general health behavior and digital health use. Main factors influencing trust in digital information are the recipient's prior knowledge of the topic (n = 8) and general education / health literacy (n = 8). Additionally, 46 new factors related to trust and credibility in nutritional information have been identified. Conclusions Our findings suggest that many studies overlook factors beyond the characteristics of the receivers when examining what influences trust in digital nutritional information. There is often a neglect of message-related elements, as well as contextual and design aspects, despite their significant impact on the processes that foster trust and credibility. Key messages • The results emphasize the need for research that includes diverse perspectives and cultural backgrounds for a comprehensive understanding in this critical area. • The findings suggest that further research on other trust- and credibility-inducing factors such as message-related and design aspects is needed.