Background: Social media is an increasingly important source of health information, but exposure to health-related content may be associated with inappropriate self-medication. This study examined the association between social media health-information exposure and self-medication among young adults in Uyo, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 respondents in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, between April and May 2026. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression at p < 0.05.

Results: High health-information exposure was reported by 218 (56.8%) respondents, while 235 (61.2%) practiced self-medication. Antimalarials (45.5%) and multivitamins/supplements (42.3%) were the most commonly used medications. After adjustment, health-information exposure was significantly associated with self-medication (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.16–5.03; p = 0.018). Marital status, social media use duration and income were also significantly associated with self-medication.

Conclusion: Social media health-information exposure was associated with self-medication. Digital health literacy and access to credible health information should be strengthened.