A new study shows that much of the ADHD content on TikTok does not accurately reflect clinical symptoms. Experts and young viewers see these videos differently. This raises concerns about misinformation on social media.
Experts and Young Viewers See ADHD Differently
Researchers looked at 100 popular TikTok videos about ADHD. Two clinical psychologists reviewed the accuracy of these videos. They found that only 48.7% of the claims matched real ADHD symptoms.
To see how people perceive these videos, the researchers asked over 800 psychology students to watch 10 of them. These included the five most accurate and five least accurate ones, based on expert ratings.
Experts rated the most accurate videos 3.6 out of 5. Students rated them lower, at 2.8. However, students gave the least accurate videos a 2.3 rating, while experts only rated them 1.1. This means many young viewers cannot tell the difference between reliable and misleading ADHD content.
The Popularity of #ADHD Videos
ADHD content is very popular on TikTok. The hashtag #ADHD has nearly 500 million views. Many people create videos about ADHD, but few provide sources. The study found that only 20% of creators shared any credentials.
Among the creators who mentioned their qualifications:
- 83.6% said they had personal experience with ADHD.
- 13.1% identified as life coaches.
- Only 1.6% claimed to be mental health professionals, but none shared their license details.
- No one held an advanced degree like a PhD, PsyD, or MD.
These findings show that most ADHD content on TikTok does not come from medical experts.
Financial Motives in ADHD Content
The study also found that many ADHD content creators seek financial gain. About half of them promote products or services in their videos. Some encourage viewers to buy books, sign up for courses, or purchase supplements. This raises concerns about whether they are spreading accurate information or simply trying to make money.
The Risks of Misinformation
Many people who watch these videos may not realize they are misleading. The study found that self-diagnosed individuals were more likely to trust unreliable ADHD content. Those with an official diagnosis were more critical.
Vasileia Karasavva, the lead author of the study, says TikTok can help raise awareness about ADHD. However, she warns that personal stories without medical context can lead to misunderstandings. This could make people believe they have ADHD when they do not. It could also cause those with ADHD to misunderstand their condition.
Experts say viewers should be cautious when consuming ADHD content on social media. They encourage people to get information from mental health professionals, not TikTok influencers.
The Need for Reliable Information
Social media can be a powerful tool for education. However, it also spreads misinformation. Experts say that users should be careful when learning about medical conditions online. People who think they may have ADHD should speak to a licensed professional.
Misinformation on TikTok can shape how people see themselves and their mental health. To ensure accuracy, platforms need better fact-checking. Viewers should also be critical and seek professional guidance.