A viral social media rumor falsely claiming that physician Dr. Eric Smith had died from a stroke prompted confusion and concern this week, leading the doctor to publicly confirm that he is alive, healthy, and continuing his work. The death hoax, which circulated rapidly on Facebook, had urged users to “send prayers” to his family — a pattern often seen in fabricated memorial posts engineered to provoke emotional reactions.
Dr. Smith addressed the situation directly in a post on his official page, thanking those who checked in on him but warning about the deeper issue at play: the accelerating spread of misinformation online. “I’m alive, doing well, and have not had a stroke,” he wrote. “Thank you to everyone who reached out with concern. It means more than you know.”
In the same message, he drew a striking comparison between digital misinformation and ultra-processed foods, noting that both are intentionally engineered to drive consumption. “These platforms are designed to keep you scrolling, clicking, and reacting. It does not matter if the information is good or bad. The system rewards whatever gets attention,” he explained.
Media analysts say his comments reflect a broader trend. False celebrity death announcements, health claims, or dramatic personal rumors are among the most commonly shared forms of social media misinformation, largely because they trigger strong emotions that bypass critical thinking. According to digital literacy researchers, hoaxes like these often originate from engagement-bait accounts seeking reach rather than truth.
Several of Dr. Smith’s followers echoed his warning, calling for greater skepticism and responsibility when interacting with online content. One supporter wrote, “This is exactly why we all need to slow down and check before we share anything. I’m glad you’re safe.”
Dr. Smith encouraged the public to treat their attention as a valuable resource. “Take everything at face value, question what you see online, and always do your own research before believing or sharing anything,” he urged. “Your attention is powerful. Use it wisely.”
The incident serves as yet another reminder of how easily misinformation can spread — and how essential digital literacy has become in preventing false narratives from taking hold.
