The social media platform TikTok has turn out to be a cultural phenomenon, influencing the behavior and taste of its users in almost every sphere of life. From dance trends to skincare and makeup products, from health hacks to fad diets, TikTok's recommendations can go viral in minutes – and so can its health advice.
a few of me Most searched Educational videos on TikTok are on weight-reduction plan, exercise and sexual health.
“Fitspiration” is a well-liked social media hashtag that goals to encourage users to live a healthy lifestyle. “Fitspo” posts often include before-and-after photos or “desire” photos of influencers with ideal body types. But Multiple study It has been found Many of them Social media posts [can have a negative impact] On the mental health of consumers and their promoting or compound Body insecurities.
Social media has its effects. For example, it allows users to share their experiences about health issues. A study showed this. 80% of cancer patients Use social media to interact colleagues. But it may also help spread health misinformation.
For example, 2023 survey Findings conducted by Dublin City University found that 57% of Gen-Z and Millennial TikTok users are influenced by or repeatedly adopt nutrition trends from the platform. The same study also found that only 2.1 percent of the dietary content analyzed on TikTok in comparison with public health guidelines.
But it might be about change. The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced. A year-round partnership With TikTok to offer consumers with reliable, science-based evidence.
However, health care professionals are already attempting to increase the extent of health literacy on social media. Doctors and specialists are posting videos to coach consumers about melanoma. dark skinfor instance. These resources are much needed because, though Melanoma is rare In dark-skinned people, Five-year survival rate Only 66% in comparison with 90% amongst non-Hispanic whites. This is because melanoma is usually underdiagnosed. Much later In dark skinned people.
Other cancer topics, eg laryngeal cancer, Stomach cancer, Thyroid cancer And Breast cancer Also shows increased interaction from users. But while there are numerous patient perspectives, there are few and low-quality resources from health care professionals.
2022 study It found that amongst the preferred articles posted on social media in 2018 and 2019, on the 4 commonest cancers, one in three contained false, inaccurate or misleading information. And much of this misinformation about cancer was potentially harmful. For example, by promoting unproven treatments.
Stories shared by patients writing on social media about Their cancer journeys May be powerfulEspecially for users who’re going through similar experiences. But they will also be scary – And sometimes they are wrong..
Difficult subjects
Content about potentially embarrassing or intimate health issues has turn out to be popular on social media, often the primary port of call after experiencing symptoms or an initial diagnosis.
Videos about anal fissures have gained lots of attention. Number of viewswhile posts sharing experiences with intrauterine contraceptive devices Common side effects highlighted which can help inform other users' contraceptive decisions.
IVF is a worthwhile and. A growing topic of debate On social media, but there’s more engagement. Experts are needed To make sure the medical accuracy of recommendation and guidance.
Creating a force for good
Similarly, there was an enormous increase in social media details about neurodevelopmental conditions similar to autism and ADHD. in viewer traffic. Celebrities, particularly, have used social media platforms to speak about their diagnosis and encourage or encourage others to hunt help. For example, current reigning and three-time World's Strongest Man Tom Stallman has been outspoken. About his autism diagnosis And how can it’s a superpower?
The growing challenges surrounding mental health diagnosis are a double-edged sword on social media. Availability of data Can help to understand. of the situation – but it may also promote self-evaluation, Which is increasing And may cause Pressure on the health care system And Potential harm to patients.
Various studies Highlight the problem of misinformation on social media. A study X (formerly Twitter) appeared to have the best level of misinformation. Many of the studies A review of social media health content shows that lower than 30% is medically accurate.
Therefore, although social media health posts could also be helpful to those in search of a patient perspective, it is vital that users have access to high-quality, clinically accurate resources from qualified professionals. can do
It is hoped that the collaboration between WHO and TikTok will help facilitate and promote further engagement of healthcare professionals on social media.