Mental health myths go viral on social media: Experts warn of potential risks
More than half of the most popular TikTok videos related to mental health spread misinformation, posing a significant risk to users who are struggling with complex conditions, British experts have warned.
A recent
study conducted by The Guardian
revealed, those seeking instant relief and solutions for issues like trauma, depression, or anxiety may find themselves feeling more distressed after following flawed advice they had gotten from the widely popular social media platform.
What's happening?
The study examined the top 100 videos posted under the hashtag #mentalhealthtips on TikTok, which were then reviewed by psychological professionals for accuracy and potential harm.
Researchers identified 52 videos that provided misleading mental health advice on topics such as trauma, neurodivergence, anxiety, and depression. Some clips offered vague, ineffective advice.
What are the experts saying?
Amber Johnson, a psychologist accredited by the British Psychological Society, told The Guardian, 'TikTok is perpetuating misinformation by implying there are universal tips and truths that may actually worsen a viewer's feelings, making them feel like a failure when these suggestions don't provide an easy cure.'
She added, 'Each video tends to suggest that everyone experiences PTSD in the same way, with similar symptoms that can be adequately explained in a 30-second clip.
'
Dan Poulter, a psychiatrist with the National Health Service, stated, 'This misinformation can mislead impressionable audiences and trivialize the life experiences of individuals living with serious mental illness.' Experts criticized these videos for misusing therapeutic language, relying on personal anecdotes, and making sweeping generalizations that overlook the complexities of various mental health conditions.
The experts cautioned that such dangerous tips could distort public perception of mental illness and urged government officials to implement stronger safeguards against the spread of harmful misinformation. David Okai, a psychological medical researcher at King's College London, mentioned, 'Short, attention-grabbing soundbites can sometimes overshadow the more nuanced realities of qualified therapeutic work.
'
What does TikTok say about it?
In response to these findings, TikTok defended its platform, emphasizing that it provides a space for millions to express themselves and share their 'authentic' mental health journeys. A spokesperson for the platform stated, 'There are clear limitations to the methodology of this study, which opposes free expression and implies that people should not be allowed to share their own stories. We actively collaborate with health experts from the World Health Organization and the NHS to promote reliable information and remove 98% of harmful misinformation before it is reported to us.
'
While TikTok can offer insights and connect individuals seeking mental health information, it's generally not advisable to rely on it for professional advice, especially regarding mental health. It's crucial to approach TikTok mental health content with a critical eye and consult with qualified professionals for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The popular app is currently facing several lawsuits in the US, accusing it of harming children's mental health through addictive features and dangerous content, which have contributed to rising rates of depression and anxiety.
Weekly Health News (May 20-26)
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
US life expectancy vs. the world in 2025: Where do Americans stand?
Walk into just about any American coffee shop these days, and odds are the conversation skips right from politics to TikTok trends to – you guessed it – the cost of healthcare, the outbreak of the day, or someone's complicated insurance story. But lurking beneath all these headlines and gripes lies a stubborn, unshakable fact: in 2025, Americans simply don't live as long as citizens in dozens of other high-income countries. If you're an average American baby born this year, you're expected to live about 78 years. That sounds fine, maybe even good to some ears, but step outside US borders even just over to Canada or across the United Kingdom and it's abundantly clear: Americans are living shorter lives than almost all their economic peers and, frankly, than millions of people in less wealthy parts of the world. So, what's going on? Let's take a look into what the latest data tells us about American longevity—and why, for all the tech innovations and world-class medical centers dotting the landscape, life expectancy here just keeps stagnating. How does US life expectancy measure up? First things first: life expectancy is the average number of years a newborn can expect to live under current mortality rates. In the US, that number hit a recent low after COVID-19 but has since bounced back a bit. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Still, it's not keeping pace with history—or with the rest of the developed world. 2023 US life expectancy: 78.4 years Global Average (2025): 73.5 years Ranking: 48th globally (and slipping) Here's the kicker: the US is above the global average, but a few years below its 'peer' nations. Most of Western Europe, plus Japan, Australia, South Korea, and even some smaller nations like Monaco, enjoy life expectancies between 82 and 87 years. Americans are on average living about 3–5 years less than their economic peers, and as much as 8 years less than the world leaders. What the numbers really say The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes the latest stats for the US: Both sexes: 78.4 years (2023 data) Males: 75.8 years Females: 81.1 years By comparison, Canada, France, Japan, and even the UK all clock in well above the US average. WHO (World Health Organization) data lines up: no matter which authority you check, the trend is the same. America's rank in the longevity league So where does that put the US? In 48th place (as per several reports) and, according to the latest forecasts by World Population Review, likely to drop even further down the list by 2050. Other wealthy nations, meanwhile, continue to inch higher, sometimes gaining years while the US just creeps forward months at a time. Peer nations growing faster: For example, Japan, Korea, Portugal, the UK, and Italy already clock in at 80+ years and counting. US trend is stagnating: Some projections put the US at 80.4 years—in 2050. That's nearly a quarter-century just to gain a single year. Why is the US lagging behind? If you spent any time in a US health economics classroom, you might echo this refrain: Americans spend more—way more—on healthcare than anyone else, but live shorter lives. Why? Here's where things get sticky (and let's be real, infuriating). According to the CDC and public health research, several chronic and acute challenges conspire to keep US life expectancy low: Cardiovascular disease and obesity: Rates here dwarf those in peer nations. Diabetes: A chronic and costly epidemic. "Diseases of despair": Suicide, alcoholism, and drug overdoses hit the US particularly hard. Maternal and infant mortality: Above-average for a wealthy nation. Motor vehicle fatalities: Still shockingly high. Healthcare disparity: Insurance rates, cost barriers, and uneven healthcare access. Socioeconomic inequality: Health outcomes dramatically vary by income, ZIP code, and racial group. Americans are living shorter, sicker lives even as the country outspends rivals on everything from advanced surgeries to high-end drugs. Comparing to the UK and peers: A stark gap Let's pause and zero in on a particularly telling comparison: the United States vs. the United Kingdom. Recent investigative reports by Johns Hopkins' Bloomberg School of Public Health deliver this sobering headline: Americans live years less than the Brits. Leading causes of excess US deaths: Heart disease, drug overdoses, infant and maternal deaths What really stands out isn't just the small year-by-year difference. It's the long-term trend: since the 1980s, America's trajectory has flatlined, while Europe trudges upward—even through its own crises. Why? Policy differences: Universal coverage, safety nets, and regenerative social programs in the UK and Europe often make healthier choices easier and provide fallback care when disaster strikes. Public health investment: The UK spends less on care, but more on prevention and community wellness. Digging into health habits and policy differences If you're looking for 'silver bullet' explanations, the data won't cut you any slack. It's death by a thousand small problems, and they're entangled: Diet: Appallingly high processed food consumption, sugar-sweetened beverages, and ultra-processed snacks. Exercise: Sedentary lifestyles prevail, especially among kids and teens. Addiction: A toxic brew of widespread opioid, meth, and alcohol abuse. Overdose rates have reached devastating levels. Mental health: Underfunded and stigmatized, pushing more people into crisis and self-harm. Healthcare Coverage: Insurance gaps, high out-of-pocket costs, and rural hospital closures remain endemic. Environmental factors: Pockets of heavy pollution and 'food deserts.' As the CDC points out, even American children today face a 1-in-5 shot at developing obesity before adulthood, foreshadowing future medical costs and mortality. What would it take for America to catch up? Public health experts and studies converge on a short list of must-dos: Tackle chronic disease: Expand access to preventive screening, healthy foods, and physical activity. Address the opioid crisis: Investment in mental health and addiction treatment. Make healthcare universal and affordable: Reduce insurance and cost barriers. Maternal and infant health: More prenatal care, family leave, and education. Tackle poverty and inequality: Social safety nets, fair wages, and safer housing. Without bolder national action—and strong local follow-through—these gains will remain elusive. America's health gap is no longer a technical problem; it's a political, social, and moral one. Other countries have shown it's fixable, but it takes serious willpower and the humility to learn from others. The question for the next generation, then, is simple: Will we keep coasting along on what's left of the old American advantage, or finally tackle the causes behind our shorter lives? For now, the world's watching and, to tell the truth, living longer. References: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health CDC – Life Expectancy Data Briefs WHO Data: United States
Economic Times
a day ago
- Economic Times
Old-school weight loss machines are going viral again. What's behind the 'vibration plate' trend?
Synopsis Vibration plates, once a forgotten fad, are making waves again on social media as an easy weight-loss solution. Though some research supports their benefits—like improved circulation and fat loss—experts warn they aren't a standalone fix. For those unable to hit the gym, these buzzing machines offer emotional relief and gentle workouts, but with limitations. iStock The vibration plate trend is back, promising quick fat loss, better balance, and muscle toning through passive movement. While studies show some benefits, experts say it's no magic solution. (Image: iStock) In a world where fitness trends often come and go like viral TikTok dances, one seemingly passive workout method is making a loud, rumbling comeback — quite literally. It's called vibration plate training, and it promises muscle tone, better balance, fat loss, and even stress relief. But is this buzzing weight loss trend the real deal or just another flashy fad? A deeper look reveals a mix of intrigue, science, and skepticism. The idea behind vibration plate machines, also known as whole-body vibration platforms, is surprisingly simple. Stand, squat, or do light exercises on a platform that vibrates, and let your muscles do the work reflexively. That involuntary contraction — said to happen up to 30 times a second — supposedly mimics the effects of exercise in a shorter span of time. As fitness trainer Nic Wilson told Fox News Digital, these machines 'force the muscles to contract more frequently,' potentially improving strength, balance, and coordination. In our time-starved lives, this low-impact, 10-15 minute option seems like a dream — especially for busy people or those with mobility issues. The machines first gained popularity years ago but are trending again thanks to social media influencers touting dramatic before-and-after results. A WebMD medically reviewed guide notes potential benefits such as increased bone mass, better circulation, reduced cortisol (the stress hormone), and decreased post-exercise soreness. A 2019 review highlighted in Healthline examined seven studies with 280 participants and found that vibration training did lead to a significant fat loss. However, it didn't make much difference in overall body fat percentage unless the program lasted longer than six months. Another study in 2016 showed that combining vibration training with diet resulted in comparable fat loss to an aerobic workout-and-diet combo — offering some promising hope to those looking for variety in their fitness routine. Despite the buzz, experts caution that vibration training is no silver bullet. 'They're no substitute for the basics of good health, like regular exercise and a healthy diet,' WebMD warns. Wilson echoed this sentiment, saying the machines don't burn large amounts of calories and are not a stand-alone solution for weight loss. There are also safety concerns. People with joint problems, cardiovascular conditions, or those who are pregnant are advised to consult doctors before hopping on. And while some users claim benefits like pain reduction and better cognitive function, Mayo Clinic stresses that comprehensive long-term research is still lacking. For many, the appeal of vibration plates lies in the emotional and physical accessibility. Not everyone enjoys intense cardio or lifting weights at the gym. For someone anxious about movement or recovering from injury, the gentle hum of a vibration platform may feel more welcoming than a spinning class. As one fitness enthusiast shared online, 'I feel like I'm doing something good for myself — even when I'm standing still.' The answer: Yes — but with conditions. Vibration plates can be a beneficial addition to a well-rounded fitness routine, especially for muscle stimulation and bone health. But they shouldn't replace traditional exercise or diet. Think of them more as a side dish, not the main course, on your weight loss plate. In the end, the vibration plate trend may not shake up the fitness world entirely, but it's certainly got people standing up — and maybe, just maybe, slimming down.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Old-school weight loss machines are going viral again. What's behind the 'vibration plate' trend?
In a world where fitness trends often come and go like viral TikTok dances, one seemingly passive workout method is making a loud, rumbling comeback — quite literally. It's called vibration plate training , and it promises muscle tone , better balance, fat loss , and even stress relief. But is this buzzing weight loss trend the real deal or just another flashy fad? A deeper look reveals a mix of intrigue, science, and skepticism. A Trend That's Got Everyone Buzzing The idea behind vibration plate machines, also known as whole-body vibration platforms , is surprisingly simple. Stand, squat, or do light exercises on a platform that vibrates, and let your muscles do the work reflexively. That involuntary contraction — said to happen up to 30 times a second — supposedly mimics the effects of exercise in a shorter span of time. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category As fitness trainer Nic Wilson told Fox News Digital, these machines 'force the muscles to contract more frequently,' potentially improving strength, balance, and coordination. In our time-starved lives, this low-impact, 10-15 minute option seems like a dream — especially for busy people or those with mobility issues. The Science Behind the Shake The machines first gained popularity years ago but are trending again thanks to social media influencers touting dramatic before-and-after results. A WebMD medically reviewed guide notes potential benefits such as increased bone mass, better circulation, reduced cortisol (the stress hormone), and decreased post-exercise soreness. A 2019 review highlighted in Healthline examined seven studies with 280 participants and found that vibration training did lead to a significant fat loss. However, it didn't make much difference in overall body fat percentage unless the program lasted longer than six months. Another study in 2016 showed that combining vibration training with diet resulted in comparable fat loss to an aerobic workout-and-diet combo — offering some promising hope to those looking for variety in their fitness routine. You Might Also Like: Man credits ChatGPT for his 27 kg weight loss in 6 months but learnt a bigger lesson for life iStock The machines first gained popularity years ago but are trending again thanks to social media influencers touting dramatic before-and-after results. (Image; iStock) But There's a Catch Despite the buzz, experts caution that vibration training is no silver bullet. 'They're no substitute for the basics of good health, like regular exercise and a healthy diet,' WebMD warns. Wilson echoed this sentiment, saying the machines don't burn large amounts of calories and are not a stand-alone solution for weight loss. There are also safety concerns. People with joint problems, cardiovascular conditions, or those who are pregnant are advised to consult doctors before hopping on. And while some users claim benefits like pain reduction and better cognitive function, Mayo Clinic stresses that comprehensive long-term research is still lacking. The Emotional Pull of a Quieter Workout For many, the appeal of vibration plates lies in the emotional and physical accessibility. Not everyone enjoys intense cardio or lifting weights at the gym. For someone anxious about movement or recovering from injury, the gentle hum of a vibration platform may feel more welcoming than a spinning class. As one fitness enthusiast shared online, 'I feel like I'm doing something good for myself — even when I'm standing still.' You Might Also Like: Sara Ali Khan's 45 kg weight loss plan had one meal per day: Her exercise routine, diet secrets for fit body So, Does It Work? The answer: Yes — but with conditions. Vibration plates can be a beneficial addition to a well-rounded fitness routine, especially for muscle stimulation and bone health. But they shouldn't replace traditional exercise or diet. Think of them more as a side dish, not the main course, on your weight loss plate. In the end, the vibration plate trend may not shake up the fitness world entirely, but it's certainly got people standing up — and maybe, just maybe, slimming down.
