In 2020, Dr. Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, started creating educational videos about COVID-19 to help her friends and family. Her efforts quickly gained traction, leading to over 280,000 followers on TikTok and nearly 90,000 on Instagram. Wallace uses these platforms to share accurate public health information and combat misinformation.

“There is a flood of bad information out there,” Wallace said. By directing her audience to reliable sources she aims to provide tools for informed discussions. Her work is crucial in an age where social media often serves as the primary source of health advice for many, especially younger generations.

Wallace never imagined becoming a social media influencer, but she remains committed to her mission. “I’m giving people the tools to have those conversations,” she said. Her goal is to counteract dangerous myths and conspiracy theories, hoping her accurate information reaches beyond her immediate followers.

SOURCE:

Healthline, July 8, 2024