Research Shows TikTok ADHD Videos Often Spread False Information
A recent study has revealed that many ADHD-related videos on TikTok contain misleading claims, making it difficult for viewers to separate fact from fiction.
Misinformation in ADHD Content is a Growing Concern
Published on March 19 in PLOS One, the study examined the most popular TikTok videos about ADHD and discovered that fewer than half contained accurate medical information. Even those diagnosed with ADHD struggled to distinguish reliable content from misleading claims.
Around 50% of the TikTok creators analyzed were promoting ADHD-related products or services but lacked any formal mental health credentials.
Risks of Self-Diagnosis and Misunderstood Symptoms
According to lead researcher Vasileia Karasavva, many TikTok videos discussing ADHD fail to provide a full picture of the disorder. She pointed out that common symptoms like trouble concentrating are often presented without acknowledging that they can also be signs of conditions like depression or anxiety.
“We want people to feel comfortable discussing their mental health, but self-diagnosing based on incomplete information can prevent them from seeking the right kind of support,” Karasavva noted.
These findings are consistent with a 2022 study that found half of ADHD-related TikTok videos contained inaccurate claims.
The Role of TikTok ’s Algorithm in Spreading Misinformation
The study analyzed 100 of the most-watched ADHD TikTok videos from January 2023, with two licensed clinical psychologists reviewing their accuracy based on the DSM-5. If a video’s claims didn’t align with official criteria, psychologists determined whether the symptoms better matched another disorder or were simply common experiences.
Over 840 undergraduate students participated in rating the videos. Those who frequently watched ADHD content on TikTok were more likely to recommend both the most accurate and most misleading videos, suggesting that repeated exposure influences credibility judgments.
Karasavva explained that TikTok’s algorithm reinforces certain narratives by repeatedly showing users similar content. “When you keep encountering the same messages, they start to seem credible, even when they lack scientific backing,” she said.
Additionally, the study found that many students overestimated how common ADHD is, reinforcing concerns about social media misinformation.
Psychiatry professor Margaret Sibley cautioned that TikTok’s algorithm often prioritizes engagement over accuracy. “Popular voices get amplified, but that doesn’t always mean their information is correct,” she said.
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