Genet Med. 2025 Nov 4:101631. doi: 10.1016/j.gim.2025.101631. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore how health-related epigenetic concepts are depicted in YouTube videos, a widely accessed platform for informal science education. As epigenetics becomes increasingly relevant to medical therapeutics, it is essential to understand what information is being disseminated in the public sphere.
METHOD: We conducted a content analysis of 296 YouTube videos about epigenetics that were under 10 minutes in length. We transcribed and analyzed the videos using an iteratively developed codebook and then categorized relevant codes as categories.
RESULTS: We identified seven categories: 1) defining epigenetics, 2) causes of epigenetic changes, 3) effects of epigenetic change, 4) epigenetic inheritability, 5) application of epigenetics, 6) personal control, and 7) epigenetic mysticism. While the content about the molecular epigenetic mechanisms mostly aligned with the latest scientific findings, there were numerous unsubstantiated and exaggerated claims about effects of epigenetics on human health, especially disease outcomes.
CONCLUSION: We identified several scientific concepts described on YouTube regarding epigenetics. Our findings also reveal what information about epigenetics is widely shared in the public sphere, helping identify key misconceptions to address and guiding the development of strategies for accurate science communication.
PMID:41204827 | DOI:10.1016/j.gim.2025.101631
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