A study conducted by The Guardian has revealed that pseudo-medical advice circulating on social media poses a threat to human health.
Recently, an increasing number of people have been turning to social networks for psychological support, but the reality is alarming. The Guardian analyzed the 100 most popular videos on TikTok under the hashtag #mentalhealthtips. After being reviewed by psychologists and psychiatrists, it was determined that 52% of these videos contain misinformation.
Experts explain that videos on TikTok frequently feature absurd advice lacking any scientific foundation. For instance, some creators claim that eating an orange in the shower can reduce anxiety levels. Furthermore, the platform promotes dietary supplements such as saffron, magnesium glycinate, and holy basil. Specialists emphasize that there is no concrete scientific evidence regarding the benefits of these substances for mental health.
Particularly concerning are promises to “cure trauma in one hour.” Moreover, such videos often exaggerate reality and portray common emotional experiences as severe mental disorders. For example, everyday emotional instability may be presented to viewers as a symptom of Borderline Personality Disorder, which is an entirely false assessment.
Due to the current situation, field specialists and politicians are calling on the government to tighten internet safety regulations. Their goal is to limit the spread of misinformation by harmful algorithms and thereby better protect public health.
The platform’s administration disagrees with the study’s methodology, stating that TikTok is a free space for self-expression where people share their personal experiences. The company explains that they collaborate with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the NHS to disseminate reliable information and proactively remove 98% of harmful content.
Despite the platform’s arguments, the core recommendation of professionals remains unchanged: the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues are the exclusive competence of qualified specialists, and social media videos can never serve as a substitute.
