Popular mental health videos on TikTok spread misinformation and pose a great risk, experts warned
Users turning to the social media platform for instant relief and solutions to treat their trauma, depression or anxiety may end up feeling more distressed after taking the flawed advice, a recent study conducted by The Guardian revealed.
'TikTok is spreading misinformation by suggesting that there are secret universal tips and truths that may actually make a viewer feel even worse, like a failure, when these tips don't simply cure,' Amber Johnson, a British Psychological Society-accredited psychologist, told the outlet.
3 Videos on the platform may cause struggling users to feel even more distressed, a study conducted by The Guardian found.
AFP via Getty Images
Advertisement
'Each video is guilty of suggesting that everyone has the same experience of PTSD with similar symptoms that can easily be explained in a 30-second reel.'
The study examined the top 100 videos posted under #mentalhealthtips on the platform, which were then reviewed by psychological professionals for accuracy and potential harm.
Experts flagged 52 videos offering mental health advice on trauma, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, and other serious disorders as misleading – with some clips dishing out vague and hollow fluff.
Advertisement
'This is providing misinformation to impressionable people and can also trivialize the life experiences of people living with serious mental illness,' Dan Poulter, a National Health Service psychiatrist, said.
3 Experts cautioned that the dangerous tips could warp the public's understanding of mental illness.
Natalia – stock.adobe.com
Experts criticized the content for misusing therapeutic language, offering counsel rooted in personal experience, and making sweeping generalizations while also minimizing the complexities of certain mental health conditions, the outlet reported.
They cautioned that the dangerous tips could warp the public's understanding of mental illness and urged government officials to implement stronger safeguards against the spread of harmful misinformation.
Advertisement
'Short-form, attention-grabbing soundbites can sometimes overshadow the more nuanced realities of qualified therapeutic work,' said David Okai, a psychological medical researcher at King's College London.
3 Experts criticized the content for misusing therapeutic language and offering counsel rooted in personal experience.
Andrii Yalanskyi – stock.adobe.com
In response to the outlet's findings, TikTok boasted the platform for providing a space where millions of people can express themselves and share their 'authentic' mental health journeys.
'There are clear limitations to the methodology of this study, which opposes free expression and suggests that people should not be allowed to share their own stores,' a spokesperson told The Guardian.
Advertisement
'We proactively work with health experts at the World Health Organization and NHS to promote reliable information on our platform and remove 98% of harmful misinformation before it's reported to us.'
The popular app is currently facing several lawsuits in the US accusing it of harming children's mental health with addictive features and dangerous content and causing high rates of depression and anxiety.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Newsweek
Special Needs Puppies With Uncontrollable Shaking Get Second Chance
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A litter of tiny puppies who can't stop shaking have found the perfect home with a rescue center focused on special needs dogs. Shannon Tarr runs the Emotional Rescue in Hastings, Minnesota, which she set up in 2017 to help care for dogs with special needs. In June, she got a very special litter of Chow mix puppies—and after sharing a video of them to her TikTok account, @emotionalrescuedogs, both the pups and her work have gone viral. "They have shaking puppy syndrome," Tarr explained to Newsweek, but added the good news that they "will likely outgrow" the condition. Shaking puppy syndrome, also known as hypomyelination, affects a dog's nervous system, causing nerves and muscles to malfunction. Symptoms can begin as early as two weeks after birth, and tremors can become more violent while eating, but ease while resting, according to a vet-reviewed report from PetMD. While there is no treatment for the syndrome, most puppies recover by around a year old, though may still experience mild hind limb tremors. Tarr told Newsweek: "Their mother was with a breeder, and she had the same condition. When the breeder died, they went to another rescue that transferred them to us." "We treat them like regular puppies—with lots of playtime and socializing!" The litter of puppies with Shaking Puppy Syndrome. The litter of puppies with Shaking Puppy Syndrome. TikTok @emotionalrescuedogs In a video shared to her page on June 8, Tarr showed the gorgeous fluffy puppies running around outside together for their morning feed And while all five puppies appear content, they are shaking non-stop, with one almost lifting its hind legs off the ground as it tries to eat breakfast. They meet some of the other dogs at the shelter, watch the horses grazing out back, and use their voices to bark at everything interesting, while moving and shaking the entire time. The video went viral, with more than 730,000 likes and 9.2 million views, as animal lovers' hearts broke for the litter, one calling it "so, so sad" and another sharing sympathy for the "poor babies." "How do their muscles maintain that movement, that must be exhausting for them," another wrote, as many commenters asked about the condition. One commenter, who identified themselves as a veterinary technician, assured viewers that pups with shaking puppy syndrome "can live a very long, happy, and goofy twerkful life. They will be just fine." The litter meeting the other animals at the rescue. The litter meeting the other animals at the rescue. TikTok @emotionalrescuedogs In Tarr's most recent videos of the puppies, shared on July 20, the litter can be seen playing together in the yard, and their tremors appear to have calmed slightly. Undeterred by their shaking, each of the pups is running, jumping ,and chasing each other while fighting for a chew toy. One puppy is missing from the litter, however, as he was adopted into a loving forever home just days earlier. And now, the rest of the litter are ready to go to new homes, too. In the later videos of the puppies, many comments have changed from shocked and saddened to enjoying the puppies for who they are, with one recent commenter writing: "They always make me smile and laugh. So darn cute, shaky and all." And as another put it: "I love watching all of them. So adorable, and you all get better and stronger every day." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
AstraZeneca pledges $50bn investment in the US amid 200% tariff fears
AstraZeneca will invest $50 billion (€42.8 bn) in the US by 2030 in a move to expand its R&D and manufacturing there, the firm announced on Monday. This comes as the pharmaceutical giant aims to reach the target of $80 billion (€68.5 bn) in revenue by 2030, with 50% of it hoped to come from the US. The announcement also comes as the Trump administration threatens tariffs of up to 200% on drugs that are produced outside of the US. The new investment announcement is in addition to the $3.5 billion (€3 bn) pledged in November 2024. According to a statement from the company, the US plays a 'critical role' in AstraZeneca's ability 'to launch 20 new medicines by the end of the decade'. What will AstraZeneca produce in the US? As part of the investment, the British-Swedish company plans to build a new multi-billion dollar manufacturing facility in the state of Virginia. This plant will focus on the production of treatments for chronic diseases and is the largest single investment into a facility the company has ever made. '[This] announcement underpins our belief in America's innovation in biopharmaceuticals and our commitment to the millions of patients who need our medicines in America and globally,' Pascal Soriot, Chief Executive Officer at AstraZeneca said in a statement from the company. 'I look forward to partnering with Governor Youngkin and his team to work on our largest single manufacturing investment ever. It reflects the Commonwealth of Virginia's desire to create highly skilled jobs in science and technology, and will strengthen the country's domestic supply chain for medicines.' Related Revolut to create 400 new jobs as Paris HQ leads hopes towards French banking licence Universal Music Group confidentially files for US stock market listing The site in Virginia will have a particular focus on producing substances which make up AstraZeneca's weight management and metabolic treatment portfolio. As well as the site in Virginia, the investment will help expand facilities and production in Massachusetts, Maryland, California, Indiana and Texas, as well as finding new sites for clinical trials. AstraZeneca already has 19 R&D, manufacturing and commercial sites in the US, and the country is the company's largest market, representing 42% of their revenue. The firm currently employs more than 18,000 people and supports 92,000 jobs across the US. The new investment announcement is expected to create tens of thousands more jobs in the coming years. Howard Lutnick, US Secretary of Commerce, said: 'For decades Americans have been reliant on foreign supply of key pharmaceutical products. President Trump and our nation's new tariff policies are focused on ending this structural weakness. We are proud that AstraZeneca has made the decision to bring substantial pharmaceutical production to our shores. This historic investment is bringing tens of thousands of jobs to the US and will ensure medicine sold in our country is produced right here.' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Buzz Feed
12 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
31 Korean Beauty Products You'll Wonder How You've Gone Your Whole Life Without
Medicube's "Zero Pore" Pads that do their job so well, they turned this skeptical reviewer into a believer. They contain lactic acid, salicylic acid, and a dual-textured surface to help control excess sebum while exfoliating dead skin and refining pores, all while keeping you looking like a true ~glow-getter~. If your skin is more on the sensitive side, a jar of Anua daily toner pads — the superhero ingredient is heartleaf extract, which helps to soothe and hydrate skin while leaving you with a glowy complexion. The formula's PHA gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells while also helping to reduce blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts. Just take this reviewer's word — they say they've tested hundreds of skincare products and this is the *only* time they've ever been able to achieve clear skin without medicine. A moisturizing Mise En Scene hair serum here to breathe some life back into your locks and rescue them from eternal dryness. This delightful blend is derived from seven incredible oils: argan, olive, coconut, apricot, marula, jojoba, and camellia. This reviewer says it gives you gloss without the grease, and that the scent alone makes them want to keep using it! A satin-finish TirTir cushion foundation that's got the whole TikTok beauty community in a chokehold. This all-star gem lets you enjoy 72-hour flawless coverage and offers effortless blending to hide redness, blemishes, and under-eye bags. Plus, it comes in 40 shades and is *packed* with hibiscus and red propolis extracts for a boost in skin elasticity. Perfect for beauty enthusiasts who love effortless applications anytime, anywhere. An Anua pore-clearing cleansing oil, which works like a charm to soothe and hydrate your skin, all while balancing out your pH level thanks to its high concentration of heartleaf extract. (77%, to be exact!) It also enhances the absorption of serums and moisturizers and works *perfectly* for prepping your skin before makeup for a glowy glass skin look. And Anua's deep cleansing foam that enlists the magic of heartleaf extract yet again. The cleanser calms your skin, reduces inflammation, and keeps you feeling soothed while it dives deep into your pores, gently whisking away gunk and removing dead skin cells. A SeoulCeuticals toner mist — a powerful potion that not only hydrates and plumps your skin but is also a *miracle* worker on blemishes, helping keep those pesky breakouts at bay. It's made with 98% naturally derived ingredients like refreshing cucumber, antioxidant-rich green tea, tamarind, soothing aloe, and rejuvenating marine minerals for a perfect dose of dewy radiance. A buildable Missha tinted BB cream because it's a primer, foundation, concealer, AND sunscreen (with SPF 42 PA+++) all rolled up into one! As a lazy skincare lover, I'm like "Be still, my beating heart." It also offers some ridiculously hydrating skincare benefits courtesy of the hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Or a hydrating Beauty of Joseon SPF 40 tinted sunscreen that I'd bet money will become a staple for you. This fluid mineral sunscreen blends seamlessly so your skin still looks like skin — but better. Its formula is designed to control excess oil without drying your skin out, which allows your base to last longer and stay fresh throughout the day. Plus, reviewers claim it gives you *zero* white cast! Mixsoon Bean Essence because hot days are already be annoying enough without having to wear foundation — this'll help you not even need it! This essence is infused with fermented bean, barley, and pomegranate to help get rid of dead skin cells, all while hydrating your skin and evening out its tone. The best part? No sticky residue!! A lightweight Cosrx mild gel cleanser if you want to be able to wash your face without having it feel bone dry afterward. Its relatively low pH helps balance and protect your skin from acne-causing irritants without stripping it. It's also enriched with tea tree oil and BHA to help keep your skin nice and smooth. A vitamin E-rich Elizavecca Hair Essence Oil — yes, made by the same geniuses behind the *iconic* Elizavecca Hair Treatment. This magical leave-in formula is made with argan kernel oil, evening primrose oil, macadamia seed oil, and sunflower oil to infuse some enviable softness and gloss into your hair. This oil is *also* rich in oleic acid and palmitoleic acid (unsaturated fatty acids that are very similar to human sebum), so it's good for root and scalp care! An Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later face primer, a.k.a. the little potion you'll be thanking at the end of a long day when you're makeup *still* looks bombbb. This pore-minimizing miracle worker (with SPF 30!) helps blur your pores, gives you a ~velvety complexion~, and locks your look in place so that it doesn't move or shift around. Reviewers say it absorbs well, foundation glided over it, and that it made their full face stand up to sweaty heat! Plus, it comes in four problem-solving formulas. The Saem hydrating eye stick with a cooling formula infused with niacinamide and Icelandic mineral water, moss, and seaweed extract that works like a charm to help de-puff the area around your eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles. You no longer have to show up to the office looking like a Tim Burton character. Amazing. The all-in-one Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Hydrating Multi-Balm — one of the new beauty products TikTok is particularly obsessing over — and for good reason. This multi-talented magic stick works on your face, eyes, lips, *and* neck. It uses collagen and salmon complex to help minimize fine lines, enhance your natural glow, and give a major hydration boost to quench your thirsty skin. I think you just found a new beauty staple to have in your bag at all times. An Elizavecca carbonated clay mask that is wayyyy more fun to use than a normal mask. And not only do the bubbles make it more interesting, but the carbonation helps clean your pores. Be sure to have your camera ready — you're gonna want to provide the group chat with some selfies. Etude's 80% Mineral Translucent Powder, which you might just fall in love with if you're someone who gets oily *real* fast. This magical powder is made with ingredients like fermented soybean, willow tree, and fluffy cotton extract to help avoid excess oil by strengthening the skin barrier. The best part? It's not just for your face! You can use this on the roots of your hair to target greasy locks and as a setting powder for your makeup. A Laneige water sleeping mask — this reviewer says it made their face feel like a greenhouse, because you can literally feel the mask pulling in the moisture. It's infused with squalane and a probiotic-derived complex. English translation: It delivers intense moisture without that greasy, heavy feeling. Plus, it helps to strengthen your skin's moisture barrier while making your complexion look brighter and more radiant. The wonderfully potent SeoulCeuticals Day Glow Serum infused with hyaluronic and ferulic acid, vitamin E, citrus stem cells, and centella asiatica to help (*takes a deep breath*) reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, help fade dark spots, shrink pores, prevent breakouts, and brighten your overall complexion. We love a multi-talented product. A Goodal vitamin C serum — your dark spots and hyperpigmentation have met👏their👏match. 👏 This brightening lil' brew is packed with a whopping 70% green tangerine extract, and reviewers can't stop raving about how it seemingly transformed their skin, even fading years of sun damage. A moisturizing Etude House SPF 50 sun milk, which is formulated with 20 powerful berry and plant ingredients (including açaí palm fruit extract, Barbados cherry extract, and sunflower seed oil) that are gentle on your skin and leave you with a lightweight, airy finish. It's intended to be used as the last step in your skincare routine and works like a charm as a makeup primer! And a pack of water- and sweat-resistant peptide patches — these stickers may not look as fun as the ones you loved as a kid, but they do wayyy more. They block 98% of UV rays from reaching your delicate under-eyes thanks to their UPF 50+ rating, *plus* they're packed with hydrating and brightening peptides to breathe some extra life into your skin. They're so thin and clear, they practically disappear! An Etude Dear Darling Oil Tint that gives you allll the pinky-toned gloss with none of the stickiness. This K-beauty staple effectively moisturizes lips, making it perfect to layer with the brand's reviewer-beloved water tint. The best part? It comes in various vibrant shades (plum berry is a fan fave)! Or a Peripera glowy lip tint because heartbreak is one thing, but a cracked, dry feeling on your lips is another. This looks and feels like a juicy gloss, *but* the pigment actually sticks around for hours. What makes this tint different? It's infused with lily and witch hazel extracts so your skin stays soft, hydrated, and adorably pouty. Torriden hyaluronic acid serum with a lightweight, watery texture that helps your skin maintain some much-needed hydration and keeps it plump and smooth without any (*shudders*) icky residue. Thanks to its complex HA formula, it absorbs super quickly and dives deep into your pores, delivering that big ole' dose of moisture. A bottle of Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops that'll brighten both your skin and your day. It's infused with vitamin C, vitamin E, and moringa oil to help even out your skin tone and give you a dewy finish. It also has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly, making it ideal for all skin types. A Nature Republic lipstick made with moisturizing manuka honey, which reviewers have been comparing to Tarte Juicy Maracuja and YSL Candy Glaze! Ummm, this lipstick melts down into a gloss once applied — and that's what I call lip magic, baby. It has just the right amount of sheer tint and leaves that perfect glassy look. A TikTok-viral overnight collagen mask that has taken over my entire FYP for weeks — and now I see why! Give your skin a big ole' drink of water with this probiotic-packed mask, which starts as a milky-colored hydrogel mask, and as the hours go by, it gradually turns clear, signaling that it's working its magic on your skin. It'll not only strengthen your skin's barrier and improve elasticity, but it'll also refine the appearance of large pores and help smooth out fine lines. Many reviewers also say it's surprisingly comfortable to sleep in! Cosrx Blackhead Power Liquid made with willow bark water to mattify and exfoliate your skin, making enlarged pores look smaller and helping to prevent breakouts. Radiant skin, here I come. Mediheal tea tree sheet masks infused with three types of tea tree extract to calm and balance your skin, helping to clear blemishes while keeping excess oil in check. It's 15 minutes of pure pampering and relaxation for your face. IDK, if I were you, I'd def keep these on deck (especially while traveling)! An ethereal liquid eyeshadow glitter to make your eyelids look like Tinker Bell flew by and kissed them with her pixie dust. It dries super fast, so no fear of smudging! You can rock it on its own for some subtle shimmer or layer it over your other eye makeup when you're feeling a lil' extra.
