The spread of misinformation on social media is a growing concern. Platforms like TikTok, while popular for entertainment, have become breeding grounds for false health information.
A recent study from the University of London found that 81% of TikTok videos promoting "miracle cures" for cancer contain false information, writes Digi24.
This is alarming, especially since many young people turn to TikTok not just for fun, but also for health advice.
The study focused on the role TikTok’s algorithm plays in spreading misinformation. The algorithm tends to favor content that attracts attention, regardless of whether it is true or harmful.
This has allowed content creators to promote dangerous "cures," such as oregano oil, apricot kernels, and even dog deworming products as treatments for cancer.
These products are not only ineffective but could also cause serious harm.
The issue is more than just false claims about cancer cures. TikTok has become a popular search engine for health information, especially among Generation Z.
As young users scroll through content, they are often led to videos that suggest the medical establishment hides the "real cures" for cancer.
These videos often present themselves as the truth, claiming that the system suppresses the information they share.
This makes it harder for users to differentiate between legitimate advice and dangerous misinformation.
The study, conducted in April and May 2024, analyzed the 50 most-viewed cancer cure videos on TikTok.
It showed that many of these videos also link to e-commerce sites where users can purchase harmful products.
This creates a dangerous cycle, where misinformation leads to sales of unproven and harmful treatments.
Experts are worried that TikTok's algorithm encourages radicalization. As users are exposed to more conspiratorial content, they may become more susceptible to extreme ideas.
The study warns that this kind of online harm may not be limited to cancer misinformation.
It could lead users down a path toward more dangerous content, encouraging the purchase of harmful products and reinforcing conspiratorial beliefs.
