A recent study has shed light on the concerning prevalence of health misinformation on TikTok, particularly among young users seeking information on various health topics. According to the research published in the journal Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, approximately 44% of TikTok videos related to sinusitis contained inaccurate information. What’s more alarming is that nearly half of these videos were posted by “non-medical influencers” – individuals with sizable followings but lacking medical expertise.
The misinformation propagated through these videos extends beyond harmless misunderstandings to potentially dangerous “treatments.” For instance, some videos advocate for inserting whole cloves of garlic into the nose to alleviate nasal congestion, a practice that can lead to nasal tissue damage and obstruction.
Dr. Christopher Roxbury, a senior researcher and rhinology expert at the University of Chicago Medicine, expressed concerns about the detrimental impact of such misinformation on individuals’ health-seeking behaviors. Patients often arrive at clinics having already attempted these unproven treatments, sometimes with harmful consequences.
The proliferation of health misinformation on TikTok reflects a broader trend of health-related content coexisting with entertainment and lifestyle content on the platform. Hashtags like #celiactok, #diabetestok, and #sinustok attract millions of views as users seek health information and connect with others sharing similar health concerns.
Despite the presence of credible medical professionals on TikTok who provide accurate information, the sheer volume of content from non-medical influencers makes it challenging for users to discern reliable information from misleading advice. While medical professionals strive to deliver educational content, they face an uphill battle against the overwhelming presence of misinformation.
To assess the extent of misinformation on TikTok, researchers focused on sinusitis-related content during a 24-hour period. They found that while medical professionals produced more reliable content, non-medical influencers contributed significantly to the dissemination of misinformation.
In light of these findings, there’s a call for healthcare professionals to take a more active role in social media to counterbalance the spread of misinformation. By creating informative and engaging content, healthcare experts can help users access accurate health information and avoid potentially harmful practices advocated by non-medical influencers.