Belle Gibson, ‘Apple Cider Vinegar,’ and the Age of Misinformation: Why We Must Question Who We Follow
Have you seen the new Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar?
How many times have you seen people on Instagram or Tiktok make a health claim and it sound very convincing then when you delve into it you realise it is incorrect or just fluff?
The Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar has reignited conversations about wellness influencers and the dangers of blindly following individuals who peddle false health claims - and rightly so.
At the center of this discussion is Belle Gibson, the Australian wellness blogger who falsely claimed she had cured her terminal cancer through diet and alternative medicine.
Her deception, which led to the release of a bestselling book and a highly popular app, unraveled when journalists and medical experts exposed her lies.
Gibson’s story isn’t just a shocking case of fraud—it’s a cautionary tale that remains incredibly relevant in today’s digital landscape.
We live in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, where AI-generated content blurs the line between reality and fiction, and where influencers hold immense power over their followers.
Now more than ever, we must critically assess who we trust online and the information we consume.
The Problem with Wellness Influencers and Fake Health Gurus
Gibson’s ability to build a devoted following wasn’t an anomaly. Social media platforms are filled with self-proclaimed health experts who, without scientific backing, promote diets, supplements, and lifestyle changes as miracle cures.
The wellness industry thrives on personal anecdotes over evidence-based medicine, often appealing to people seeking hope and alternatives to conventional treatment.
But the consequences of these lies can be devastating. People with serious illnesses may delay or abandon necessary medical treatment in favor of unproven and potentially dangerous alternatives.
The case of Gibson underscores the critical need for regulation in the wellness industry and for consumers to demand accountability from those spreading health claims online.
AI, Deepfakes, and the Rise of Digital Deception
While Gibson relied on storytelling and social media, today’s world presents an even bigger challenge: artificial intelligence.
Deepfake videos, AI-generated influencers, and fabricated testimonials are making it harder to distinguish fact from fiction. The rise of generative AI tools means anyone can create realistic-looking content that appears credible, further muddying the waters of online truth.
In this landscape, it’s crucial that we practice digital literacy. Questioning sources, verifying claims, and relying on experts rather than influencers should become standard habits.
Social media algorithms amplify engagement rather than truth, making it easier for misinformation to spread unchecked. If we don’t remain vigilant, we risk falling victim to the next Belle Gibson.
And we REALLY need to be aware of this fact and we repeat social media algorithms amplify engagement rather than truth.
Holding Influencers and Platforms Accountable
Beyond individual responsibility, platforms that host and promote influencers must also be held accountable. Companies like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube profit from wellness influencers, yet they often do little to regulate the spread of false health information.
Policies must be strengthened to ensure that misleading health claims are flagged and that those who make them face consequences.
As consumers, we must demand transparency from influencers. Are they citing real medical studies? Are they promoting a product they benefit financially from? Are they dismissing conventional medicine without legitimate backing?
These are the questions we need to ask before buying into a wellness trend or following a supposed expert.
Final Thoughts: The Responsibility to Think Critically
The story of Belle Gibson serves as a stark reminder that not everything online is as it seems. Apple Cider Vinegar sheds light on the broader issue of deception within the wellness industry, but its lessons extend far beyond. In an age of AI, deepfakes, and mass misinformation, questioning our sources has never been more important.
Rather than blindly following influencers, we should prioritise evidence-based health advice and remain skeptical of too-good-to-be-true claims.
It is crucial to know who you follow - can you trust them? Can you believe what they say?
As technology continues to evolve, so must our ability to think critically. Because if we don’t, we risk falling prey to the next wave of digital deception.
