Misinformation on TikTok is Distorting Young People’s Perception of ADHD

Around 1.8 billion people use TikTok monthly, spending an average of 95 minutes per day on the platform for entertainment, engagement, and even education. While these figures are impressive, a new study highlights that TikTok may not be the most trustworthy source for health-related information, especially regarding ADHD.

Study Reveals Misinformation in Popular TikTok ADHD Videos

Researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) analyzed the 100 most-viewed TikTok videos tagged with ADHD content and found that fewer than half aligned with professional diagnostic criteria.

These videos, which amassed nearly half a billion views, were primarily based on personal experiences and opinions. Many failed to capture the complexity of ADHD, including how symptoms can vary among individuals.

“While TikTok is a powerful platform for raising awareness and reducing stigma, it also has its drawbacks,” says UBC clinical psychologist Vasileia Karasavva.

“Personal experiences and anecdotes can be compelling, but without proper context, they risk spreading misconceptions about ADHD and mental health overall.”

Examining the Influence of Accurate and Inaccurate ADHD Content on Student Perceptions

To explore this impact, researchers conducted an experiment using the five most accurate and five least accurate videos from the top 100, as assessed by clinical psychologists. These 10 videos were shown to 843 undergraduate students in an introductory psychology course, who then rated them based on their perceived educational value.

While psychologists rated the five most accurate videos at an average of 3.6 for accuracy, students gave them a lower score of 2.8. Meanwhile, the least accurate videos received a 1.1 rating from psychologists but scored 2.3 among students.

This gap highlights a concerning disconnect between expert evaluations and how casual viewers perceive ADHD content on TikTok. Such misinformation could influence public understanding of the condition, potentially impacting diagnoses and treatment.

“Our findings reveal a discrepancy between mental health professionals and young adults regarding the educational value of ADHD content on TikTok,” the researchers note. “Addressing this is essential for improving access to treatment and support for individuals with ADHD.”

The study also found that students who frequently viewed ADHD-related content were more likely to share it and overestimate the condition’s prevalence.

The researchers emphasize that TikTok’s algorithm rewards engagement rather than accuracy, making misinformation widespread. They advocate for more expert-driven content from healthcare professionals and encourage viewers to seek reliable sources outside the platform.

Despite these concerns, the researchers acknowledge TikTok’s role in community building and awareness. However, they urge users to verify information through reputable sources.

“Some young adults seek out TikTok for information due to challenges in accessing care or past negative experiences with mental health professionals,” says Amori Mikami, a psychology professor at UBC.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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