illustration: DALL-EThe researchers presented their findings at the American Academy of Paediatrics conference in Denver. More than half of the videos contained information that contradicts medical knowledge. They assessed the creators’ identities, video topics, presence of false claims, and engagement metrics. Disinformation was defined as content that opposes recommendations from the American Academy of Paediatrics and the CDC. It turned out that 61% of the videos included medically inaccurate information. Furthermore:
- 80% of disinformation videos were created by parents and influencers, not medical professionals.
- False content gained significantly more attention, with an average of 583,000 views per video, compared to 214,000 for accurate ones.
The study revealed the most common myths being spread:
- questioning vaccine safety (36%).
- promoting "natural" therapies instead of proven treatments (29%).
- spreading misinformation about breastfeeding and infant nutrition (18%).
- rejecting paediatric care (17%).
According to Dr Maria A. Canas-Galvis, lead author of the study, doctors must now not only provide treatment but also educate parents and help them interpret online content. What families see on TikTok increasingly shapes their health decisions.
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