WASHINGTON: Video-streaming platform TikTok is marred by dozens of "eco influencer" accounts peddling nonsense about medical issues, parenting and sexual health, new research has found.
Around one in five clips posted by "non-medical professionals" on the China-headquartered app feature not only "inaccurate information" but also "dangerous advice," researchers from the University of Arizona told delegates attending an American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) conference in Colorado.
"Young adults turning to TikTok for sexual health information are being confronted with misinformation," said Angeli Sirilan of the university’s College of Medicine, who believes the findings show an "urgent need" to raise standards in health education and improve "social media literacy."
The conference separately heard from researchers based at East Carolina University Health Medical Center, who said that "eco-influencers" on TikTok were turning to dishing out medical and parenting tips.
Of the 120 videos the team examined, around six in ten were found to contradict "established pediatric health guidelines" and to be mostly posted by "self-identified parents and influencers rather than healthcare professionals."
Videos containing such advice were viewed almost three times as much as those the researchers said contained "accurate information."
"This study shows how quickly false health claims can spread on social media and how important it is for us to engage with families and help them navigate what they’re seeing online," East Carolina's Maria Canas-Galvis said, ahead of presenting her team's findings during the September 26-30 conference. – dpa
