Generation Patient has received a grant from the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund for our work to increase oversight of pharmaceutical direct-to-consumer advertising on social media.
Beginning in July of 2022, our team expressed our concerns regarding the increasing prevalence of direct-to-consumer advertising by pharmaceutical companies on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. As the regulation is outdated to newer platforms, we recognized the urgent need to address the potential consequences and implications of direct-to-consumer advertising for our demographic. Prescription medicines advertised on social media lack appropriate safety information and disclosures, making it difficult for young patients to make informed decisions about their health. The increasing use of influencers to advertise prescription medicines also poses a great concern for the negative impact on young patients.
“As an organization led entirely by young adults with chronic medical conditions, we are eager to drive young adult-patient-led solutions with researchers, clinicians, and public interest groups,” said Sneha Dave, executive director at Generation Patient. “Misleading prescription drug and supplement advertisements pose an increasing challenge with the vast misinformation and disinformation, especially on TikTok and Instagram.”
This grant will enable us to proactively address this issue by collaborating with various representatives in the fields of technology and public health while advocating for improved and more effective standards in the regulation of direct-to-consumer advertising. We believe that direct education, resource sharing, and peer support are our most effective tools to create pathways for young adult patient empowerment. This award will allow us to continue this crucial work within the social media landscape.
Generation Patient is a U.S.-based and internationally connected non-profit organization created and led by young adults with chronic conditions. We are the largest organization representing adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions through our peer support initiatives, community building, and systems advocacy. Our independence is important to us, and we do not accept funding from the private healthcare industry and are supported by philanthropic foundations.