Are They Really an Expert? Identifying the Appeal to Authority Fallacy

by Chris Bigelow

Reading articles and engaging with social media posts on platforms like X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube has become a common way to learn new information and stay informed. One of the biggest advantages of this is the accessibility—most content is free and readily available. Additionally, social media gives a platform to many voices that might not have been heard in traditional media.

However, this open access also means that anyone can publish content, regardless of their expertise. This creates challenges for consumers trying to separate high-quality information from misinformation. With so much content available, how can you assess the credibility of what you read?

In this blog series, we’ll explore common logical fallacies in fitness and nutrition content—whether in legacy media (such as news outlets) or on social platforms. This article focuses on the Appeal to Authority fallacy, a prevalent issue in both fields.

What Is the Appeal to Authority Fallacy?

The Appeal to Authority fallacy occurs when someone argues that a claim is true simply because an authority figure—qualified or not—supports it. This can happen in multiple ways:

1. Experts speaking outside their field – A person with a doctorate may use their credentials to speak on a topic outside their area of expertise. For instance, a medical doctor specializing in cardiology may make authoritative statements about nutrition, despite lacking formal education in that specific field.

2. Unqualified individuals presenting themselves as experts – A fitness influencer with a great physique may claim expertise in training and nutrition based solely on personal experience, rather than formal education or certifications.

Why This Fallacy Is Misleading

Just because someone holds an advanced degree in a health-related field doesn’t automatically make them an expert in all health topics. While they may have a higher baseline understanding than the average person, their knowledge may still be incomplete or inaccurate outside their specialization.

Similarly, personal success in fitness doesn’t necessarily translate into expertise. A person may have achieved their aesthetic goals through methods that work for them but lack the broader knowledge to design effective, evidence-based programs for others.

This doesn’t mean these individuals have nothing valuable to share—many provide useful insights. However, the key is to evaluate their claims based on evidence, not just credentials or personal achievements.

How to Evaluate Information for Yourself

If you come across an article or social media post where the author relies on their perceived authority rather than supporting evidence, does that mean the information is incorrect? Not necessarily—but it does mean you should verify their claims. Here’s how:

1. Check the author’s credentials – Are they trained in the specific area they’re discussing?

2. Look for supporting evidence – Do they cite credible sources such as peer-reviewed studies or expert consensus?

3. Cross-reference with reliable sources – Compare their claims with information from respected institutions, such as universities, government health organizations, or reputable scientific journals.

4. Educate yourself – Consider taking an introductory nutrition or fitness course to build foundational knowledge. Many community colleges offer affordable options, and online courses—like ours—can provide self-paced learning opportunities to help you critically assess health and fitness information.  Our beginner fitness template and our health and wellness course are both excellent ways to educate yourself.

Final Thoughts

Being aware of the Appeal to Authority fallacy can help you become a more informed consumer of fitness and nutrition content. Instead of accepting claims at face value based on someone’s title or appearance, take a step back and analyze the evidence behind their statements. By developing critical thinking skills and educating yourself, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the vast amount of information available online.

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