TikTok initially rose to popularity as a social media platform that allowed users to create and share short-form dance and entertainment videos with others. Today, however, the app has become a go-to source of information for teens and young adults—who are being encouraged to like, comment, and react to videos that often contain dangerous misinformation.
Although the misinformation on TikTok isn’t limited to addiction and mental health concerns, this is one of the site’s most problematic areas. In 2022, PlushCare looked at a sample of videos with the hashtags #mentalhealthadvice and #mentalhealthtips. They found that 83.7% of videos contained inaccurate and misleading information, with videos discussing ADHD, bipolar disorder, or depression being the most likely to contain false information.
How TikTok Spreads Misinformation
Social media misinformation isn’t always being deliberately shared. Sometimes, the creator of a video genuinely believes what they are saying is true. Other times, however, misinformation is used to increase a creator’s popularity, attract sponsors, or drive traffic to a related money-making scheme.
TikTok’s algorithms are also to blame. Content that evokes a strong emotional response is amplified regardless of whether the information is accurate. Content that is controversial or provocative gets boosted simply because it’s most likely to attract attention.
Here are some examples of ways TikTok can harm those who are struggling with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health concerns:
- Amplifying outdated addiction or mental health stigma by claiming willpower is all a person needs to start to feel better
- Encouraging self-diagnosis instead of seeking care from a medical professional
- Encouraging people to try going off prescription antidepressants “cold turkey”
- Claiming it’s effective to use essential oils or other natural cures as a substitute for professional medical care
- Offering bogus tips for how to identify contaminated pills purchased on the black market
- Promoting moderation as an alternative to abstinence for people with serious addiction issues
- Advertising unproven treatments without clearly labeling the content as sponsored
- Spreading challenges that promote self-harm or trigger suicidal thoughts in people who are already struggling
Content that contains misinformation can discourage people from seeking the care they need to effectively manage their substance use disorder or mental health condition—putting them at risk of future harm. Users who don’t have access to a strong network of in-person support from family and friends are the most vulnerable.
How to Find Reliable Information About Addiction and Mental Health
The social isolation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated efforts to stop the spread of misinformation. TikTok use among 15-to-25-year-olds rose from 10% to 28% during the 2020 lockdowns—and many of the most vulnerable users have continued to rely on the platform for socialization as well as information about topics relevant to their lives. According to its Community Guidelines Enforcement Report, TikTok removed more than 102 million videos in early 2022 for violating its guidelines. However, with millions of users logging on each day, stopping the flow of misinformation continues to be a difficult task.
If you are looking for reliable information about addiction treatment and mental health support, here are a few resources that can provide fact-checked and credible guidance:
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides detailed information on the latest treatments available for treating substance use disorders and mental health issues. Additionally, it publishes helpful resources such as handouts, fact sheets, and online tools.
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NADA) offers a wide range of resources related to addiction, including educational videos, research reports, clinical trials, prevention guides, and treatment options.
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides free education courses on mental health topics as well as assistance finding support groups in your local community.
- For more personalized support, many states offer free or low-cost mental health and addiction services through local organizations or providers. In Pennsylvania, for example, the Department of Human Services has created a Mental Health in PA online portal to connect people with the appropriate resources to address substance abuse and other mental health concerns.
How We Can Help
At St. Joseph Institute, we are passionate about helping our clients find lasting recovery. Our residential addiction and mental health treatment center is located in picturesque Port Matilda, Pennsylvania, and provides personalized evidence-based care to build the foundation for a wellness-focused lifestyle.
