The proliferation of short-form educational video platforms has facilitated the public's access to health information; however, no research has assessed the characteristics and quality of videos related to atrial septal defect. ASD was selected because it is one of the most common congenital heart defects encountered across the lifespan, often requiring repeated explanations regarding diagnosis, follow-up, timing of intervention, and long-term prognosis for patients and families. In addition, although short-form video studies have been conducted for several other diseases, ASD-related content on major Chinese short-video platforms has not been systematically evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the quality and reliability of short videos related to atrial septal defect on TikTok and Bilibili. The Chinese term "atrial septal defect" was used to search for related videos on TikTok and Bilibili, and a predefined sampling strategy was used to screen the first 100 algorithm-ranked videos from each platform on October 21, 2025. This sample size was determined a priori to provide a feasible and standardized cross-sectional sample for manual content evaluation and to maintain comparability between platforms, rather than being based on a formal sample size calculation. Duplicate, irrelevant videos, and videos published within seven days were excluded to reduce the instability of early engagement indicators. As a result, 155 videos were included for analysis. The overall quality of these videos was assessed using the Global Quality Score (GQS), VIQI, PEMAT, JAMA Benchmark, and the DISCERN tool. These instruments were used to evaluate educational quality, reliability, transparency, understandability, and actionability, but they did not constitute a direct assessment of factual accuracy or potentially harmful medical content. Interobserver reliability was assessed for the independently retained duplicate GQS ratings using quadratic weighted kappa. Because social media search results are algorithm-ranked and may be affected by platform personalization, the included sample should be interpreted as a snapshot of highly visible ASD-related videos on the sampling day rather than an exhaustive representation of all available videos. Among the 155 videos (Bilibili: n = 70; TikTok: n = 85), significant differences were observed across all engagement and quality metrics. TikTok videos demonstrated significantly higher values for likes (median 415.0 [IQR 186.0 to 961.0] vs. 11 [IQR 5.0 to 52.75]), collections (131.0 [IQR 50.0 to 332.0] vs. 26.5 [IQR 8.0 to 106.75]), shares (124.0 [IQR 35.0 to 583.0] vs. 7.5 [IQR 2.0 to 29.0]), and comments (61.0 [IQR 17.0 to 492.0] vs. 1.0 [IQR 0.0 to 9.5]) (all P < 0.05). In contrast, the Bilibili group had longer video durations (in seconds) (639.0 [IQR 327.0 to 1,106.0] vs. 326.0 [IQR 216.9 to 429.0]; P < 0.001) and longer times since upload (in days) (356.0 [IQR 71.25 to 770.25] vs. 60.0 [IQR 37.0 to 102.0]; P < 0.001). Content quality assessments also differed, with TikTok videos having higher median DISCERN scores (23.788 vs. 22.786; P = 0.001), JAMA_Benchmark (1.918 vs. 1.714; P = 0.001) and GQS scores (3.635 vs. 3.314]; P = 0.006). However, the proportion of professional uploaders differed markedly between platforms (TikTok: 96.47% vs. Bilibili: 44.29%), and uploader-level analyses suggested that part of the observed quality advantage on TikTok may be attributable to uploader composition rather than platform characteristics alone. Importantly, this conclusion was based on the absolute position of the observed scores on their respective validated scales rather than on an arbitrary composite cutoff. Specifically, median GQS values of 3.314 and 3.635 on a 1-5 scale indicate moderate rather than high educational quality, whereas median JAMA Benchmark values of 1.714 and 1.918 on a 0-4 scale indicate that, on average, fewer than half of the transparency/reliability criteria were met. Because no universally accepted single "target quality score" exists across GQS, JAMA, DISCERN, PEMAT, and VIQI, each instrument was interpreted according to its own published scale direction and anchors. TikTok videos related to atrial septal defect are more engaging and of higher content quality than those on Bilibili. Overall, health-related videos on both platforms showed only moderate educational quality, with notable limitations in transparency, reliability, source attribution, and actionable guidance. Professionally produced content tended to perform better, although between-platform differences should be interpreted cautiously because of differences in uploader composition. These findings suggest that greater participation by health professionals may help improve the quality and reliability of online health information. As this study assessed informational quality rather than factual accuracy and was limited to Chinese-language videos from two platforms at a single time point, the results should be interpreted as a platform- and time-specific snapshot.
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most devastating stroke subtype, characterized by high mortality and disability rates. With the rapid growth of short-video platforms, TikTok and BiliBili have become important channels for the public to obtain health information. However, the quality and reliability of ICH-related videos on these platforms have not been systematically evaluated. Up to October 17-18, 2025, the research collected the top 100 comprehensively ranked videos from TikTok and BiliBili separately, using the Chinese term " (ICH)" as the search keyword. After screening, 146 videos were included. Two independent reviewers assessed video quality and reliability using three standardized tools: the Global Quality Scale (GQS), the modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) instrument, and the JAMA benchmark. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between video quality and engagement metrics. Videos on BiliBili scored significantly higher than those on TikTok on both the GQS and mDISCERN (P < 0.001 and P = 0.039, respectively). Furthermore, BiliBili outperformed TikTok in terms of content completeness. However, TikTok demonstrated significantly higher engagement metrics (likes, favorites, comments, and shares) than BiliBili (P < 0.01 for all). Videos uploaded by healthcare professionals achieved the highest quality, with a median GQS score of 3 (IQR 2-4). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between video length and quality scores, while the number of comments was negatively correlated with both video quality and length. The quality and reliability of ICH-related videos were superior on BiliBili compared to TikTok, whereas TikTok exhibited overwhelming advantages in user engagement. Longer video duration was associated with better quality and reliability. Although videos from healthcare professionals scored higher in quality and reliability than those from individual users, they still did not meet the standard for high-quality information. This indicates the ongoing challenge of effectively translating specialized medical knowledge into reliable, practical, and easily understandable information for the public.
Hernia imposes a growing global and national disease burden, yet public understanding remains limited. Short-video platforms such as TikTok and Bilibili have become major sources of health information in China, but the quality and reliability of hernia-related content have not been systematically evaluated. Hernia-related videos were retrieved from TikTok and Bilibili between November 15 and 20, 2025. After excluding irrelevant, duplicate, and promotional content, 184 videos were included. Video characteristics, uploader categories, and engagement metrics were collected. Content themes were categorized, and quality was assessed using the Global Quality Score (GQS), modified DISCERN, Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT-U/A), and Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria. Group comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test, and associations were examined via Spearman correlation. TikTok videos showed significantly higher engagement (likes and comments, both p < 0.01) but were shorter in duration compared with Bilibili. Professional physicians produced 98% of TikTok videos, whereas non-professionals contributed 56% of Bilibili content. TikTok demonstrated higher scores in mDISCERN, PEMAT-A, and JAMA benchmarks (all p < 0.05), though overall GQS scores remained low on both platforms. Longer videos were modestly associated with higher GQS (r = 0.35) and PEMAT-U (r = 0.34). Engagement indicators did not correlate with quality metrics. Hernia-related content on TikTok and Bilibili exhibits a clear trade-off: TikTok achieves greater reach but offers limited educational depth, while Bilibili supports more comprehensive content with lower engagement.
Monitoring opioid-related chatter on social media can predict the course of opioid addiction and the overdose epidemic. We assessed the utility of TikTok, a prominent short video-based social media platform, as a means of tracking the opioid addiction and overdose crisis. We collected 569,581 TikTok comments (posted between January 2021 and June 2025) from 48,306 opioid-related videos, making this study the first large-scale analysis of TikTok comments for opioid surveillance. We extracted 200 topics from these comments using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and incorporated the topics into ARIMA models that forecast synthetic opioid mortality over 6-month horizons. We also analyzed conversational patterns using the LIWC2015 pronoun dictionaries and GPT o1-mini. We found that (1) incorporating TikTok topics into the ARIMA models reduced forecasting Mean Absolute Error by up to 37% (2) the topics spanned five broad themes (use, source, recovery, harm-reduction, loss), showing the diversity of opioid discourse on TikTok, and (3) TikTok comments included first-person, second-person, and third-person accounts of opioid use (i.e., personal use, engaging with other users in conversation about their use, and relating views of others' use, respectively). These findings emphasize the usefulness of TikTok comments as a data source for opioid use surveillance.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a well-established and effective treatment for several psychiatric disorders, however, stigma and misinformation surrounding ECT remain widespread. Social media has become a major source of health information for patients and may influence treatment perceptions and decision-making, yet the quality and reliability of ECT-related content vary substantially across platforms. This study aimed to evaluate the quality, reliability, and dissemination characteristics of ECT-related videos on TikTok, BiliBili, and YouTube, and to identify factors associated with higher informational quality. On December 8, 2025, the top 100 videos retrieved using the Chinese keyword "" on TikTok and BiliBili, and the English term "ECT" on YouTube were screened. Videos were independently assessed for attitude toward ECT, content completeness, and overall quality using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), modified DISCERN (mDISCERN), and the Medical Video Evaluation Tool (MQ-VET). Inter-rater reliability was calculated, and non-parametric statistical tests and Spearman correlation analyses were performed. A total of 71 TikTok videos, 75 BiliBili videos, and 86 YouTube videos were included. YouTube videos demonstrated significantly greater content completeness than those on BiliBili. Overall quality scores were higher on YouTube than on BiliBili, and YouTube also outperformed TikTok in both mDISCERN and total MQ-VET scores. Video uploader identity, presentation format, and content category were differentially associated with video quality across platforms. Engagement metrics were not correlated with video quality on TikTok or BiliBili, whereas positive correlations were observed on YouTube. Substantial platform-specific differences exist in the dissemination and quality of ECT-related health information. TikTok demonstrates strong user engagement, whereas YouTube provides more comprehensive and reliable content. These findings underscore the importance of platform-tailored, evidence-based strategies to improve the quality and public communication of ECT-related information.
TikTok pregnancy-related information content has not yet been investigated. To assess the quality, reliability, and misinformation on TikTok videos regarding induction of labor (IOL). A cross-sectional analysis of TikTok videos, employing the "Induction of Labor" keyword, was conducted on the 13th of January 2025. All videos retrieved under this search term were evaluated. The TikTok materials were compared between patients and healthcare with the following tools: Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT A/V), the modified Development of a Quality Index for Health Information (mDISCERN), global quality scale (GQS), and video information and quality index (VIQI). One hundred fifty TikTok videos were examined. The contents were created mainly from patients 52% (78/150), 39% from healthcare (59/150), and 9% (13/150) from other sources. Healthcare content showed a higher PEMAT A/V for actionability and understandability median score, 81.8% and 66.7%, respectively, compared to the patient-generated content median score of 75.0%, and 33.3% (P = 0.01 and P < 0.001). On VIQI, healthcare videos outperformed patients' content, in information accuracy (4.0 vs 2.5), precision (4.0 vs 2.5), and total VIQI score (14.0 vs. 10.0; all P < 0.001). Healthcare and other sources had a median of 2.0 for mDISCERN reliability (P < 0.001). GQS showed a median of 4.0 for healthcare content versus 2.5 median for patients' content (P < 0.001). Patients' TikTok content reporting low scores on all validated assessment tools. Healthcare videos reported a higher score of understandability, actionability, and accuracy. These findings suggest that obstetric healthcare content on social media are probably necessary to offer IOL evidence-based information.
Short-form videos are an increasingly important source of health information for individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), yet their quality is unverified. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the quality, reliability, and engagement of T1DM-related videos on Bilibili and TikTok. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the top 100 T1DM-related videos from Bilibili and TikTok (N=200). Videos were systematically evaluated using four validated instruments: the Global Quality Scale (GQS), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) criteria, Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI), and modified DISCERN (mDISCERN). Engagement metrics were extracted, and Spearman correlations and a multivariable negative binomial regression were performed to identify predictors of video 'likes'. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), was conducted to ensure robustness. TikTok videos achieved significantly higher user engagement than those on Bilibili (median views: 88,089 vs. 3,418). In terms of quality, TikTok scored higher on the VIQI (median: 12.0 vs. 9.0, P < 0.001), while Bilibili scored higher on the JAMA criteria (median: 2.0 vs. 0.0, P < 0.001). No significant platform differences were found for GQS or mDISCERN. In the adjusted regression model, VIQI score was a strong positive predictor of likes (RR=1.66, 95% CI 1.32-2.13), whereas a higher GQS score was a negative predictor (RR=0.24, 95% CI 0.13-0.45). These findings were robust across all sensitivity analyses. T1DM-related short videos on Bilibili and TikTok exhibit substantial variability in quality and reliability. TikTok demonstrates stronger audiovisual quality, whereas Bilibili shows better transparency (JAMA). Engagement was driven more by production quality than informational accuracy. These findings suggest that optimizing content strategies and strengthening professional participation may be beneficial for digital diabetes education.
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that impacts patients' motor function and quality of life. As short video platforms such as TikTok and Bilibili become increasingly popular for information seeking, patients are turning to them for health guidance, yet the quality of this content varies significantly. This cross-sectional study was designed to systematically evaluate the quality, reliability, and content completeness of plantar fasciitis videos on TikTok (Chinese TikTok, Douyin) and Bilibili. A total of 158 videos were collected and assessed using the global quality score (GQS), modified DISCERN (mDISCERN), and JAMA benchmarks, while uploader identity and user interaction data were also analyzed. Compared with Bilibili videos, higher GQS scores were observed for TikTok videos (p = 0.003), whereas no significant between-platform differences were observed for mDISCERN (p = 0.496) or JAMA (p = 0.103). User engagement was also higher on TikTok. Professionally uploaded content, particularly from medical personnel, significantly outperformed videos from nonprofessional sources in terms of quality and reliability (p < 0.001). In terms of content, a significant gap was identified: 91.8% (n=145) of the videos addressed treatment, whereas only 15.8% (n=25) mentioned prevention. Crucially, correlation analysis revealed no significant associations between user engagement metrics (e.g., likes, shares) and GQS, mDISCERN, or content completeness scores. These findings reveal a dual role for short video platforms in plantar fasciitis information dissemination: they not only enhance public access but also risk spreading low-quality content due to inadequate oversight. Enhanced credential verification for health creators, greater involvement of medical institutions in content creation, and improved public education to prioritize verified sources are therefore warranted.
Social media is frequently used in the United States, with college-age women often accessing TikTok. Misinformation about reproductive health and contraception is common on TikTok, making it important for users to be able to differentiate factual and false information to avoid unintended consequences. The primary objective of this study was to determine college women's ability to identify misinformation about reproductive health and contraception found on TikTok. The secondary objective was to examine the impact of a student pharmacist-led educational intervention on participants' knowledge and self-reported confidence to assess the quality of information found online. Statements about contraception, emergency contraception, and folic acid found on TikTok were collected and fact-checked using evidence-based literature to identify misinformation. A pre-test with 9 knowledge-based questions based on TikTok content and 1 question assessing confidence in evaluating online health information was administered to undergraduate women attending a private university in the rural Midwest. After a student pharmacist-led educational intervention covering reproductive health, contraception, and the SIFT framework to discern credible online content, participants took the post-test containing identical knowledge and confidence questions. The frequency of correct answers for knowledge-based questions was calculated, and binomial tests were used to compare responses between the unmatched pre- and post-tests. Seventy-three women participated in the educational intervention. Knowledge improved significantly for 8 of the 9 questions after the educational intervention (p<0.001). Self-reported confidence in the ability to identify false information on social media improved to 62% on post-test from 19% on pre-test (p<0.001). There is a need to educate college women about reproductive health/contraception and critical evaluation of online sources to mitigate the spread of medical misinformation. A pharmacist- or student pharmacist-led educational intervention is a promising practice to provide factual information about contraception, emergency contraception, folic acid, and the SIFT framework to college women.
The global prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) ranges from 9.1% to 13.4%, with China having the largest number of CKD and advanced CKD patients in Asia. Most patients choose hemodialysis (HD) due to its high safety. Still, long-term treatment may cause complications such as restless legs syndrome and skin itching, which seriously affect patients' quality of life. Recently, the Internet has gradually become the main medical and health information source. As one of the largest short-video platforms in China, TikTok is an important source for spreading health information. However, the reliability of content about hemodialysis on short-video platforms varies and lacks professional evaluation. This study aims to evaluate the content, reliability, and quality of short videos related to hemodialysis on TikTok. In May 2025, a new TikTok account was created, and the keyword "hemodialysis" was used for searching. The first 100 videos were evaluated using three scales: GQS, JAMA, and the Modified DISCERN. Relevant information from the videos was extracted and analyzed. Overall, the quality of short videos about hemodialysis on TikTok was not satisfactory. Most videos had GQS scores of 2-3, JAMA scores of 2, and Modified DISCERN scores of 2. Videos posted by health professionals had higher quality and reliability than those by non-health professionals (P < 0.05). Videos with diverse presentation forms had significantly higher GQS, JAMA, and Modified DISCERN scores than monotonous presentation forms (P < 0.05). Some variables, such as likes and duration, comments, and scale scores, showed no correlation, while the rest were positively correlated (P < 0.05). This study shows that the overall quality and reliability of short videos related to hemodialysis on TikTok are low, but videos posted by medical professionals and those with diverse presentation forms are of better quality. It is recommended that when users search for relevant health information on short-video platforms, they should prioritize watching videos released by qualified healthcare professionals with verified identity badges.
Alcohol-associated liver disease (AALD) is a leading cause of liver disease. Alcohol use disorder is a growing public health problem in the United States. TikTok is a growing source of public health information; such information is not peer reviewed and often does not meet scientific standards. We assessed the quality of AALD information on TikTok. We conducted a retrospective observational study of TikTok videos obtained on March 8, 2024, by searching the phrase "alcohol-associated liver disease." We analyzed video characteristics, engagement, and content. Three physicians independently assessed the reliability and quality of the videos by using the DISCERN tool and the Global Quality Score (GQS), scored from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating better reliability and quality, respectively. We included 139 videos in the analysis. Video creators/publishers were health care professionals (39.6%), patients and family/friends (35.3%), wellness coaches (22.3%), and others (2.9%). The median (IQR) DISCERN score was 2.0 (1.3-2.7); the median (IQR) GQS score was 2.5 (1.5-3.3), indicating the videos were of low quality. Videos by health care professionals had higher DISCERN and GQS scores (P < .001) than videos by other creators/publishers. Video characteristics did not differ significantly between creator/publisher types. Regression results indicated that videos from health care professionals correlated positively with higher DISCERN and GQS scores, especially when videos were longer. The quality and reliability of TikTok videos on AALD are poor. The public should exercise caution when accessing AALD-related information on TikTok. Health care providers and public health officials should strongly investigate the quality of health information on social media platforms and seek to improve it.
Short video platforms have become significant sources of health information, yet evidence on the quality and reliability of Sjögren syndrome (SS)-related short videos is limited, particularly with respect to comparative assessments across different platforms. This study aimed to evaluate the quality and reliability of short videos of SS on TikTok and Bilibili. A cross-sectional study was conducted in China by searching predefined SS-related keywords on TikTok and Bilibili. Searches were performed up to October 7, 2025, and the top 120 videos from each platform were included (n = 240). Video characteristics, content categories, and uploader types were extracted. Information quality and reliability were assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS; higher scores indicate better overall educational quality) and modified DISCERN (mDISCERN; higher scores indicate greater reliability and better-quality health information). Chi-square tests were used to assess differences in platform distributions, while the Mann-Whitney U test compared engagement data and quality scores between TikTok and Bilibili. Spearman rank correlation (ρ) was used to assess associations between engagement metrics and quality scores. Of the 220 videos analyzed (TikTok: 108; Bilibili: 112), content predominantly covered symptoms (176, 80.0%), diagnosis (118, 53.6%), and treatment (78, 35.4%), whereas epidemiology (32, 14.5%), etiology (54, 24.5%), and prevention (41, 18.6%) were less frequent. Among uploaders, specialists contributed the largest share of videos (n = 147), whereas nonspecialists and individual users accounted for fewer videos (n = 43 and n = 30, respectively). The overall median GQS and mDISCERN scores were both 2.00 (interquartile range: 2.00-3.00), indicating suboptimal quality. Videos uploaded by specialists exhibited significantly higher GQS and mDISCERN scores than those uploaded by nonspecialists or individual users (P < .0001). Engagement metrics were weakly correlated with quality scores. SS-related short videos on TikTok and Bilibili in China showed suboptimal information quality and reliability and uneven topic coverage, with epidemiology, etiology, and prevention being underrepresented. Videos uploaded by specialists were associated with higher GQS and mDISCERN scores. These findings highlight the need for better regulation and monitoring of health content on short video platforms.
TikTok has rapidly become one of the world's most influential social media platforms, distinguished by its algorithmically personalized video feed. Its design prioritizes continuous, engagement-optimized content delivery, raising questions about how such environments may shape eating disorder risk, symptom maintenance, and recovery. This narrative review synthesizes emerging research on TikTok and eating disorders. We conducted a narrative review of studies identified through targeted database searches and reference screening. Findings were organized into four domains: (1) eating disorder-relevant content on TikTok, (2) algorithmic systems structuring content distribution, (3) psychological and behavioral outcomes associated with content exposure, engagement, and creation, and (4) implications for clinical risk, recovery, and intervention. Eating disorder-relevant content on TikTok ranges from explicit pro-eating disorder and pro-recovery material to more socially normative dieting, fitness, and appearance-focused content. Algorithm-focused studies indicate that recommendation systems can disproportionately deliver such material to vulnerable users and may be more responsive to passive engagement signals (e.g., watch time) than to explicit actions (e.g., "liking"). Across study designs, greater exposure to and engagement with eating disorder-related content appears to be associated with eating disorder symptoms and related phenomena. Personalized feeds may function as treatment barriers that warrant assessment in clinical settings, and psychoeducation about how recommendation systems operate may help clients recognize and disrupt harmful exposure cycles. TikTok's algorithmically structured environment may interact with vulnerability to reinforce maladaptive comparison and behavioral cycles. Further longitudinal and clinically focused research is needed to clarify causal pathways and inform evidence-based guidance for clinicians.
Short-form video platforms such as TikTok and YouTube Shorts have become influential sources of health information. Among dermatology topics, topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) and corticosteroid phobia ('corticophobia') are frequently discussed. To examine quantitative engagement patterns and qualitatively characterise representations of TSW and corticosteroid phobia on TikTok and YouTube Shorts. A qualitative reflexive thematic analysis was conducted on publicly available TikTok and YouTube Shorts videos identified using predefined hashtags. Sampling was restricted to a consecutive two-day period to minimise algorithmic drift. Seventy-six publicly-accessible videos met inclusion criteria. Videos were coded inductively using NVivo, and thematic saturation was assessed through analytic redundancy and code recurrence. TikTok videos were shorter and more interactive than YouTube Shorts. Sentiment was negative or neutral in most (78.9%, 60/76) videos. Five themes emerged: (1) Visually-dramatic embodiment of TSW; (2) Protest and mistrust; (3) Alternative healing; (4) Identity and hope; (5) Platform-shaped performance. Short-form platforms amplify emotionally intense and distrust-oriented narratives about TSW. Future research should focus on effective strategies to address misinformation and rebuild trust.
Food Noise is a topic of growing interest in media, social media, and reports from patients and clinicians. A theoretical definition of "Food Noise" has recently been established as "heightened and/or persistent manifestations of food cue reactivity, often leading to food-related intrusive thoughts and maladaptive eating behaviors," but research focusing on the lived experiences of people who report experiencing it is limited. TikTok has become a major outlet for content creators to disseminate information on Food Noise, with over 3600 videos under the hashtag #FoodNoise as of June 2024. This study aimed to examine the top videos on TikTok under the hashtag "FoodNoise" and explore what content creators discuss around food noise. We analyzed 100 videos on TikTok under the hashtag #FoodNoise. Video links and metadata (such as engagement metrics) were retrieved on June 24th, 2024. After one duplicated video was excluded, the final analysis included 99 videos. Following pilot testing of the codebook, we conducted a quantitative content analysis of the videos. This study required no ethical approval. The sampled videos had a mean of 1,173,323.63 views, 8,154.57 likes, 246.99 comments, and 582.65 shares. Content creators were primarily female (91.92%), aged 30 or older (82.83%), and White (85.86%). 22.22% of content creators were healthcare professionals, and 70.71% of videos were patient testimonies. 49.49% of videos mentioned medications, mainly GLP-1 receptor agonists. 42.42% mentioned food, mostly candies, desserts, and fast foods. Of the videos that defined Food Noise (82.82%), 93.9% defined it consistently with the current theoretical definition. Most videos (85.86%) depicted food noise negatively. The top content available on TikTok on food noise is mainly comprised of patient testimonies that describe food noise as negative and distressful, and depict the use of medications, mostly GLP-1RAs, as a positive strategy to help manage food noise.
This study examined how privacy concerns on short-form video platforms influence creativity among communication students through the mediating roles of TikTok use motives and general information technology identity. Guided by privacy calculus theory, uses and gratifications theory, and identity theory, a three-wave longitudinal design was used with 1217 students from three institutions in Chongqing, China. Privacy concerns were measured at Time 1, TikTok use motives and creativity at Time 2, and general information technology identity and creativity at Time 3. Structural equation modeling with full information maximum likelihood estimation tested mediation and sequential mediation models while controlling for demographic variables and baseline creativity. Results showed that privacy concerns negatively predicted creativity, and both TikTok use motives and general IT identity mediated this association. Sequential mediation analysis indicated that TikTok use motives promoted general IT identity, which in turn enhanced creativity. Findings highlight that motivational and identity-based processes jointly explain how privacy concerns shape creative outcomes. The study enriches theory on digital risk and creativity and offers guidance for educators and policymakers seeking to support innovation while protecting digital well-being.
Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent chronic neurological disorders worldwide, affecting approximately 70 million people globally and imposing substantial burdens on patients, families, and healthcare systems. Its multifaceted treatment landscape spanning antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy, epilepsy surgery, ketogenic dietary therapy, and neuromodulation makes accurate health information critical for patient decision-making and treatment adherence. Short-video platforms such as TikTok (Douyin) and Bilibili have emerged as primary channels through which the public accesses health-related content, yet the quality and reliability of epilepsy-related content on these platforms remain largely unexamined. A cross-sectional content analysis was conducted. We systematically retrieved videos via keyword search on TikTok (Douyin) and Bilibili, using the terms "dianxian" (epilepsy) and "jingfeng" (seizure/convulsion). For each platform, we collected the top 100 unique videos ranked by the platform's default relevance algorithm, with duplicate results from the two search terms removed. After applying pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, 182 videos were included in the final analysis. Two physicians independently assessed the videos using a multi-instrument framework with clear applicable boundaries: Global Quality Score (GQS, for overall educational quality across all content types), modified DISCERN (mDISCERN, exclusively for treatment information reliability), JAMA benchmark criteria (for source transparency, not direct clinical accuracy), and a novel Treatment Misinformation Risk Scale (TMRS, specifically for epilepsy treatment-related content). Inter-rater reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Engagement metrics and uploader characteristics were also recorded, with sensitivity analyses performed to control for confounding from uneven content theme distribution between platforms. A total of 182 videos were analyzed (96 from TikTok, 86 from Bilibili). The overall educational quality was suboptimal (mean GQS: 2.65 ± 0.93; mDISCERN: 2.12 ± 0.89 for treatment-containing videos). Bilibili videos demonstrated significantly higher performance across all instruments: overall educational quality (GQS: 3.11 ± 0.87 vs. 2.24 ± 0.84, P < 0.001), treatment information reliability (mDISCERN: 2.56 ± 0.81 vs. 1.74 ± 0.76, P < 0.001), and source transparency (JAMA: 2.18 ± 0.72 vs. 1.42 ± 0.68, P < 0.001). The mean normalized TMRS score was 1.15 ± 0.62, with TikTok showing significantly higher treatment misinformation risk (1.41 ± 0.54) than Bilibili (0.86 ± 0.53, P < 0.001). TMRS scores were positively correlated with likes (rho = 0.46, P < 0.001), shares (rho = 0.43, P < 0.001), and comments (rho = 0.39, P < 0.001), while quality scores showed no significant correlation with engagement. Sensitivity analyses confirmed that the observed platform differences were not confounded by differences in content theme distribution. Epilepsy-related content on China's major short-video platforms is of concerningly poor quality, with treatment misinformation receiving disproportionately higher user engagement. These findings highlight the urgent need for collaborative efforts among neurologists, platform operators, and health authorities to improve the quality of epilepsy health information in the digital environment.
TikTok has surged in popularity as a primary source of entertainment for Americans, with many physicians leveraging the platform to disseminate up-to-date medical information. Within this landscape, dermatology has emerged as one of the most sought-after medical subjects, leading to the prominence of numerous board-certified dermatologists as influential figures. However, despite this visibility, dermatology remains among the least diverse medical specialties. This cross-sectional study investigates patterns of following and content reliability on TikTok, particularly concerning dermatological information, based on the racial, gender, and sexual orientation diversity of top influencers. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis of the top 55 dermatologist influencers on TikTok, based on data collected on October 10, 2022, we assess the demographics and video characteristics, with a focus on follower count. Our study found that content produced by Latinx and African American dermatologists demonstrated relatively higher DISCERN scores, although overall content reliability across all groups was low. Additionally, our findings underscore a significant lack of minority representation among dermatology influencers on TikTok, particularly among Latinx, African American, and LGBTQIA+ physicians. This lack of diversity may limit the availability of culturally representative dermatologic information, highlighting a potential gap that has been associated in prior literature with inequities in care and health outcomes. By addressing these diversity gaps, we can work towards fostering more inclusive and equitable healthcare environments on social media platforms.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Short-video platforms like TikTok are increasingly important sources of health information, yet concerns persist regarding content quality and reliability. To systematically evaluate the quality, reliability, and user engagement characteristics of AMD-related videos on TikTok. We systematically searched TikTok for AMD-related videos. Quality and reliability were assessed using JAMA benchmark, modified DISCERN, Global Quality Scale (GQS), and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT). Entropy weight method and cluster analysis were applied to engagement data. Among 145 videos, overall quality was poor. Median scores were 1 for JAMA, 2 for mDISCERN, and 3 for GQS. Understandability was limited (median PEMAT-U: 43%), while actionability was moderate (median PEMAT-A: 60%). High-quality videos were characterized by creation by Western medicine ophthalmologists, inclusion of prognostic information, and monologue narration; physician title showed no association with quality. "Saves" carried the highest engagement weight (35.71%). "Self-test and screening" themes achieved the highest engagement rate (62.5%). Media accounts attained the highest PEMAT-U scores and interaction metrics. Video format and presenter attire showed no significant impact on quality or engagement. AMD-related health information on TikTok is generally poor quality. Information quality and user engagement are driven by distinct factors, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to improve content accuracy and understandability.
Social media is increasing its role as a key source of health information and a platform for sharing health-related content. Among different platforms, TikTok has emerged as a popular medium used for promoting a healthy lifestyle, particularly among younger demographics. The potential basis for health education activities may involve the Social Learning Theory, which emphasises the role of behaviour modelling and social reinforcement in learning. This study aims to identify elements attributable to Social Learning Theory in health education content posted by healthcare practitioners on TikTok and to consider how the theory might explain how their activities on the platform could effectively influence lifestyle change through social media. The study used content analysis, a method for systematically examining patterns, themes, and meanings embedded in user-generated communications, including textual, visual, and audiovisual materials. An analysis was performed on 30 purposively sampled profiles of healthcare professionals who conduct educational activities on TikTok. The goal was to identify elements related to the assumptions of Social Learning Theory. The selection of TikTok accounts was carried out using a purposive sampling method, searching for keywords that corresponded to medical professions. This approach aimed to ensure representativeness and diversity among the medical professions in the sample, as well as to select accounts that varied in terms of follower counts and engagement rates. The authors of the analysed profiles employed various strategies to conduct educational activities, striving to create a unique style. The analysis revealed the presence of Social Learning Theory mechanisms, including attracting attention, supporting content memorization, enhancing motivation to adopt health‑related behaviours, and reinforcing reproduction and self‑efficacy. These mechanisms were identifiable across the examined profiles and reflected in diverse ways in creators' communication strategies. While Social Learning Theory emphasises the importance of observation and internal processes-such as attention, retention, and reproduction-in the acquisition of behaviour, it is also essential to consider the external context in which creators operate. Many of the observed strategies align with those recommended in social media marketing, including capturing attention, storytelling, and building emotional engagement.