A recent investigation by the healthcare software company Tebra sheds light on a troubling trend within health-related content on TikTok: nearly half of the guidance offered is either inaccurate or downright misleading.
Specifically, the study found that 45% of the health advice circulating on the platform does not hold up to scrutiny.
This is particularly alarming given TikTok’s rising popularity as a source for health information.
Prevalence of Inaccurate Health Content
Certain health topics are especially rife with falsehoods.
When it comes to alternative medicine, a staggering 67% of the content is incorrect.
Other categories, such as women’s health and general medical advice, also raise red flags, with 54% of shared recommendations failing to provide reliable information.
In contrast, content focusing on mental health appears slightly more reliable; only 31% of it is misleading.
Meanwhile, wellness and self-care suggestions are not far behind, with a misinformation rate of 37%.
Moreover, users should be particularly cautious about highly popular videos—those amassing over 5 million views have a 14% higher likelihood of spreading false information compared to their lesser-seen counterparts.
Common Misleading Claims
Some troubling claims frequently circulate on TikTok.
Examples include dubious quick-fix weight-loss methods, misleading statements about vaccines and their potential effects on fertility, and dubious endorsements of daily health supplements.
A concerning trend sees some content creators sharing alarming rhetoric against established medical practices, like wearing masks or vaccination, while others, posing as medical experts, advocate for untested diets, supplements, and treatments that could be harmful.
The ramifications of these trends are significant.
Alarmingly, 17% of Americans claim they trust TikTok with the same level of confidence they place in healthcare professionals, and 7% even express greater trust in TikTok over traditional medical sources.
Given that nearly half of TikTok’s user base in the United States is under 30, this demographic becomes particularly vulnerable to misleading health advice.
Adding to the issue is the platform’s lack of mechanisms for users to verify the qualifications of those sharing information, leaving many to navigate unsubstantiated claims without guidance.
Safeguarding Against Misinformation
Users who accept unverified health advice without question might encounter serious repercussions.
To protect their health, it’s essential for individuals to approach medical claims with a healthy dose of skepticism.
If a health-related statement seems overly optimistic or too good to be true, seeking information from reputable sources before taking action is highly recommended.
By remaining vigilant, users can better safeguard their well-being in the face of this pervasive misinformation.
Source: Fastcompany