A recent study published in The Journal of Social Media Research, titled TikTok’s mental health ‘minefield’, has found that half of the content regarding ADHD on TikTok contains inaccuracies. 

Experts have found that a wealth of health information online contains inaccuracies or unsubstantiated information. 

Professionals from the University of East Anglia and the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust have conducted research on over 5,000 social media posts, covering a range of mental health conditions, including neurodiversity. 

Content that was posted across various platforms including TikTok, X, Instagram and Facebook was analysed. 

The results showed that over half (52%) of ADHD-related videos, and 41% of posts about autism on TikTok contained inaccurate information. These two conditions were found to contain more inaccurate content than any of the other conditions included in the study. 

TikTok has rejected these claims, suggesting they have policies in place to remove harmful health misinformation.

While misinformation was prevalent across platforms, it was lower on YouTube (22% of posts analysed) and Facebook (15% of posts analysed).

Dr Eleanor Chatburn, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “Our work uncovered misinformation rates on social media as high as 56 per cent. This highlights how easily engaging videos can spread widely online, even when the information isn’t always accurate.

“Social media has become an important place where many young people learn about mental health, but the quality of this information can vary greatly. This means that misleading content can circulate quickly, particularly if there aren’t accessible and reliable sources available.”

The study looked at content created by both healthcare professionals and influencers. Unsurprisingly, there were lower levels of misinformation amongst professionals, however content created by professionals only accounted for a small proportion of social media posts. 

The study did acknowledge influencer and non-healthcare professionals’ ability to add value to the conversation but cautioned that information must be verified. 

Dr Alice Carter said: “While lived-experience can play an important role, with personal stories helping people to feel understood and raising awareness of mental health conditions, it is vital to ensure that accurate and evidence-based information from clinicians and trusted organisations is also visible and easy to find.”

Online misinformation can have a significant impact on individuals. 

Dr Chartburn warned: “When false ideas spread, they can feed stigma and make people less likely to reach out for support when they really need it.

“On top of that, when people come across misleading advice about treatments, especially ones that aren’t backed by evidence, it can delay them from getting proper care and ultimately make things worse.”

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A TikTok spokesperson criticised the study, suggesting it was flawed and relied on outdated research.

TikTok also defended their efforts to increase high quality health information online, sharing they had built the UK Clinician Creator Network which was made up of 19 NHS-qualified clinicians who share their medical advice and expertise to over 2.2 million followers.

The study’s findings on YouTube Kids, however, shows that no misinformation for anxiety and depression was found on the platform, and only 8.9% of ADHD-related posts contained inaccuracies. This result was attributed to the platform’s stricter moderation rules – indicating the impact strong regulation can play in policing health misinformation online.