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Study Reveals Misinformation in Cancer and Autism Videos on TikTok
TikTok is filled with videos promoting dubious treatments for cancer and autism. Marketplace’s analysis of 200 health videos on TikTok reveals a proliferation of misinformation.
TikTok has emerged as a popular platform for health advice, but a recent investigation by Marketplace uncovered that a significant portion of videos on cancer and autism treatments lack scientific backing.
Journalists from Marketplace reviewed 100 videos each on cancer treatments and autism therapies. The analysis revealed that over 80% of the remedies showcased in these videos, accumulating more than 75 million views, lack scientific validation.
According to Tim Caulfield, a researcher on health misinformation, these videos often gain traction due to compelling personal narratives. He notes that stories and testimonials are powerful tools in promoting unproven therapies on social media platforms.
Marketplace conducted searches on TikTok using specific terms related to cancer and autism treatments, selecting the top 100 videos for each category that featured treatment or cure claims.
The creators of the reviewed videos were often not medical professionals, ranging from parents of autistic children to individuals claiming to have cured cancer using the treatments they advocate. Some videos were associated with accounts that potentially profited from the promoted therapies.
Explore further details from Marketplace journalists Dexter McMillan, Madeline McNair, and Asha Tomlinson.
- Tune in to “Investigating Dr. TikTok” on Friday night at 8 p.m. (8:30 in N.L.) on CBC Television, YouTube, and CBC Gem.
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