Study: A third of young Americans consult TikTok before seeing a doctor

Younger generations tend to consult social networks and Google for easier access to health information. — Photography FabrikaCr/Getty Images/AFP Relaxnews

TikTok, YouTube and other social media platforms are not only being used for entertainment. Web users, particularly young ones, have become accustomed to heading to such networks in search of health advice. A third of Gen Z users go to TikTok first before consulting a doctor. Some 44% have the same habit on YouTube, according to a US study.

Based on a sample of 2,000 US adults, CharityRx, a discount service at select pharmacies, conducted a study* to understand how Americans learn about health topics and which sources they turn to first.