16 Million Americans Cut Back on Sunscreen Over Online Myths
Misinformation has a body count of behavior change: AAD data shows millions are using less sunscreen because of what they read online.
AAD survey data found that more than 16 million US adults reduced or stopped using sunscreen because of online misinformation, and roughly one-third of Gen Z scored a D or F on a sun-safety quiz.
The American Academy of Dermatology frames the survey results as evidence that misinformation is translating into measurable, higher-risk behavior, putting millions of Americans at increased risk of skin cancer.
Questions we get a lot
How many Americans reduced sunscreen use because of misinformation?
According to AAD survey data, more than 16 million US adults reduced or stopped using sunscreen because of online misinformation. The AAD warns that this puts those individuals at increased risk for skin cancer.
How did Gen Z score on sun safety?
The AAD reported that about one-third of Gen Z respondents scored a D or F on a sun-safety quiz. That knowledge gap is part of why dermatologists are concerned about misinformation reaching younger audiences.
Why does using less sunscreen matter?
Sunscreen reduces exposure to UV radiation, a documented cause of skin cancer and premature skin aging. The AAD links the drop in sunscreen use directly to an increased risk of skin cancer for the millions of people affected.
r/AskDocs: 'I stopped wearing daily sunscreen after seeing posts saying it's pointless. Now I'm reading that millions of people did the same. Did I make a mistake?'