The majority of TikTok videos featuring birth control advice, that have billions of views, are providing misleading information.
A new study by La Trobe University, in Melbourne, found the misinformation was increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancies.
Lead researcher Caroline de Moel-Mandel said TikTok was a growing source of contraceptive information for young adults, but much of the content was unreliable and of poor quality, putting pressure on young people to sort fact from fiction.
Dr de Moel-Mandel said researchers analysed 100 TikTok videos on contraceptive health that had collectively gained nearly five billion views and 14.6 million likes.
She said more than half (53 percent) of TikTok content creators reviewed clearly rejected hormonal birth control, while about a third (34 percent) expressed distrust in health professionals.
“Many TikTok creators promoted natural contraceptive methods like fertility tracking without disclosing their limitations, which include accurately tracking hormone fluctuations, motivation and partner cooperation.
“Importantly, they failed to mention that these methods are generally ineffective when used on their own. This kind of misinformation, combined with a growing distrust in healthcare professionals can result in unsafe decisions and ultimately, unplanned pregnancies.”
Dr de Moel-Mandel said only 10 percent of the analysed videos were created by health professionals, while the rest featured first-hand experiences and beliefs from influencers and general uploaders, or advice from self-proclaimed “hormonal health coaches” or wellness educators with significant reach.
Study co-author Megan Bugden said while videos by health professionals gained on average more likes and followers, TikTok’s algorithm amplified influencers’ voices with greater reach over medical experts.
“Social media is reshaping health care providers’ relationships with patients,” Ms Bugden said.
“We encourage health professionals to rebuild trust through shared decision-making on contraceptive options, which may increase patient satisfaction and mitigate unreliable information posted online.”
