Misinformation in Mental Health Content on TikTok: An Investigation

The internet serves as a double-edged sword in the dissemination of information and the formation of communities. On one hand, it provides access to diverse perspectives and experiences that individuals may not encounter in their daily lives. On the other hand, it can also facilitate the spread of misinformation and harmful narratives, as highlighted by recent findings regarding mental health content on social media platforms.

A recent new study from The Guardian has shed light on the extent to which misinformation is prevalent in videos tagged with #mentalhealthtips. According to a team of mental health professionals, 52 out of the top 100 videos in this category contained misleading or inaccurate information. These videos addressed various mental health conditions and experiences, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, and neurodivergence.

Amber Johnston, a psychologist accredited by the British Psychological Society, reviewed several videos related to trauma for The Guardian. She stated, “TikTok is spreading misinformation by suggesting that there are secret universal tips and truths that may actually make a viewer feel even worse, like a failure, when these tips don’t simply cure.” This statement underscores the potential negative impact of misleading mental health advice on viewers.

The investigation identified several categories of misleading information prevalent in these videos. The first category involved the pathologization of normal emotions. Many videos inaccurately described everyday feelings, such as fatigue or anxiety related to change, as clear indicators of specific mental health disorders. This framing implies that experiencing any symptoms associated with a mental health disorder necessitates a diagnosis.

The second category involved the misuse of therapeutic language. This included inaccurately describing mental health disorders or using terms like “abuse” without providing necessary context or nuance. Such misrepresentations can lead to misunderstandings about the nature of mental health issues.

The third and most common category identified was the promotion of unevidenced treatments and false claims. Videos in this category made assertions that certain methods could heal trauma in just one hour, that specific substances could induce depression, and that manufactured supplements could alleviate anxiety. These claims lack scientific backing and can mislead viewers seeking help.

Lastly, the investigation highlighted the use of anecdotal evidence in some videos. Creators often recommended inpatient treatment based solely on their personal experiences. One video featured an individual in a hospital gown, implying they were in a psychiatric unit for being overly honest with their therapist. Such portrayals can distort the realities of mental health treatment.

Misinformation remains a significant challenge across various social media platforms, with many companies taking minimal action to address the issue. For instance, Meta faced criticism for its handling of misinformation in the US as of April this year. Instead of implementing stricter measures, the company has opted for community notes that allow users to provide crowdsourced responses to posts.

TikTok has made multiple claims over the years regarding its efforts to remove “problematic” content and inaccurate videos. In a statement shared with The Guardian, a TikTok spokesperson praised the platform as a space where individuals can share and receive support for their mental health experiences. The spokesperson noted, “There are clear limitations to the methodology of this study, which opposes this free expression and suggests that people should not be allowed to share their own stories.” This response highlights the tension between the need for accurate information and the desire for open dialogue.

Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasized that TikTok collaborates with the World Health Organization and the NHS in the UK to provide accurate information. They claimed that the platform removes 98 percent of “harmful misinformation before it’s reported to us,” suggesting a commitment to improving the quality of content available to users.

As social media continues to play a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions of mental health, it is crucial for users to critically evaluate the information they encounter. The findings from this investigation serve as a reminder of the importance of seeking reliable sources and professional guidance when it comes to mental health issues.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/tiktok-ripe-with-mental-health-misinformation-new-study-reports-150359735.html?src=rss