logo
Experts Warn: Over Half of Mental Health Content on TikTok Is Misleading - Jordan News

Experts Warn: Over Half of Mental Health Content on TikTok Is Misleading - Jordan News

Jordan News02-06-2025
Experts Warn: Over Half of Mental Health Content on TikTok Is Misleading British experts have warned that more than half of the most popular videos on TikTok related to mental health promote misleading information, posing serious risks to users dealing with complex psychological conditions. اضافة اعلان A recent study conducted by The Guardian revealed that users turning to TikTok for instant relief and solutions to deal with trauma, depression, or anxiety may end up feeling worse after following inaccurate advice. Amber Johnson, a psychologist accredited by the British Psychological Society, told the newspaper: 'TikTok spreads misinformation by suggesting the existence of universal secret truths that can make viewers feel worse, as if they're failing—when, in reality, the advice is overly simplistic and ineffective.' She added: 'Each video wrongly suggests that everyone experiences PTSD the same way, with symptoms that can be easily explained in a 30-second clip.' The study analyzed the 100 most popular TikTok videos under the hashtag #mentalhealthtips, which were later reviewed by psychology professionals to assess their accuracy and potential harm. Experts classified 52 of these videos—offering advice on trauma, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, and other serious disorders—as misleading. Many clips contained vague claims and lacked any real therapeutic value. The experts criticized the content for misusing clinical terminology, offering advice based on personal anecdotes, making sweeping generalizations, and downplaying the complexity of mental health disorders. They warned that such advice could distort public understanding of mental illness, and urged government regulators to enforce stricter safeguards against the spread of harmful misinformation. In response to the study, TikTok claimed to offer a platform for millions of users to express themselves and share their 'authentic' mental health journeys. A spokesperson for the company told The Guardian: 'There are clear limitations to the methodology of this study, which appears to oppose freedom of expression and implies that people shouldn't be allowed to share their personal stories.'
— Al Arabiya
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Australian man dies after contracting the first NSW case of bat lyssavirus
Australian man dies after contracting the first NSW case of bat lyssavirus

Ammon

time3 days ago

  • Ammon

Australian man dies after contracting the first NSW case of bat lyssavirus

Ammon News - A man from northern New South Wales has died after contracting the state's first recorded case of Australian bat lyssavirus, a close relative of the rabies virus. The man, in his 50s, was bitten by a bat 'several' months ago and received treatment at the time, NSW Health said. On Thursday, the department confirmed the man had died and urged the community to avoid touching or handling bats. The Guardian

The War on Gaza: Far-Reaching and Long-Term Consequences
The War on Gaza: Far-Reaching and Long-Term Consequences

Al Anbat News

time27-06-2025

  • Al Anbat News

The War on Gaza: Far-Reaching and Long-Term Consequences

الأنباط - The War on Gaza: Far-Reaching and Long-Term Consequences The ongoing war in the Gaza Strip represents one of the gravest contemporary crises, combining humanitarian catastrophe with escalating environmental destruction. This war is not limited to the heavy toll of lives lost and injured but extends its impact to the natural environment, mental health, education, and food and water security. The interlinkage of these environmental and human dimensions makes this conflict an existential challenge threatening the continuity of dignified life in the besieged territory. This article sheds light on the major environmental, psychological, and educational damages, as well as the lasting health repercussions of the ongoing blockade. An Environment Under Fire: Invisible Yet Deadly Damage Relentless air and artillery strikes targeting thousands of residential and vital facilities have released enormous amounts of smoke and pollutants from burning industrial materials such as plastics, metals, paints, and insulation. These fine particles suspended in the air settle deep in the lungs, leading to increased rates of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly in densely populated areas where avoiding exposure is nearly impossible. The environmental degradation has not been confined to air pollution alone; it has also reached Gaza's underground water resources, the main source of drinking water for its residents. Sewage networks, treatment plants, and fuel storage facilities have been severely damaged, resulting in the leakage of untreated wastewater and toxic substances into deep aquifers. This contamination threatens the spread of serious diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis, making access to clean and safe water even more challenging. Agricultural lands have also suffered extensive destruction. Direct bombardment, coupled with chemical leakage from munitions and military vehicles, has damaged soil fertility, increased its salinity, and contaminated it with heavy metals. This deterioration undermines the future of local agriculture and exacerbates food insecurity in Gaza, where many families depend on farming for sustenance and income. Psychological Impact: Invisible Wounds That Never Heal The psychological scars of war are deeply etched into the consciousness of Gaza's residents, especially children who live daily under the shadow of bombardment, fear, and deprivation. Scenes of loss and destruction have been repeatedly imprinted in their memories, giving rise to clear symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including chronic anxiety, insomnia, recurring nightmares, and a persistent sense of insecurity. These accumulated traumas extend far beyond the immediate moment of conflict, shaping children's personalities and behavior for years to come. Growing up in an environment dominated by violence and psychological instability increases the likelihood of adopting aggressive or withdrawn behaviors, while undermining their capacity for learning and social interaction. Such psychological breakdowns risk fostering greater societal violence and a deterioration in public mental health in Gaza's future. Education in the Crossfire: Children's Futures at Stake As the aggression continues, hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza have been denied their fundamental right to education, whether due to the destruction of schools, their conversion into shelters for displaced families, or the dangerous security situation preventing safe access to classrooms. This forced disruption threatens to rob an entire generation of their opportunity to learn, leading to rising illiteracy rates, diminished cognitive and social skills, and reduced chances of future employment. In turn, this deepens cycles of poverty and increases reliance on humanitarian aid. The Blockade: Strangling Daily Life and Public Health The blockade imposed on Gaza for years, now compounded by intensified military escalation, has deprived residents of sufficient food, fuel, medicines, and essential supplies. These harsh conditions have led to widespread malnutrition, particularly among children and pregnant women, resulting in stunting, underweight, and weakened immune systems that heighten vulnerability to infectious diseases. Water scarcity and contamination have become a dual crisis. The deterioration of water infrastructure has forced many families to rely on saline or polluted water sources, leading to the spread of gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea and dysentery, as well as kidney diseases due to high salt content. The collapse of health services has increased rates of chronic illnesses and raised the threat of epidemics. Children, with their inherent physical and emotional sensitivity, bear the brunt of these circumstances. Malnutrition, environmental pollution, and lack of healthcare services slow their physical and mental growth, impacting their quality of life far into the future. A Final Word: A Catastrophe Demanding Urgent Global Action What is unfolding in Gaza is not merely a temporary crisis, but a multifaceted catastrophe that threatens the foundations of life in the long term. Environmental pollution, agricultural collapse, psychological trauma, educational deprivation, and the worsening hunger and thirst crisis are interlinked factors that warn of a bleak future for generations to come. Overcoming this disaster requires immediate, serious international action, including lifting the blockade, funding reconstruction efforts, rehabilitating infrastructure, and expanding mental health and education programs. Only through these measures can the Palestinian people reclaim their dignity and secure their right to live safely in a stable environment that enables them to build a future free from the ravages of war and destruction. By Haifaa Ghaith

Summer Sun: Your Natural Dose of Vitamin D for Healthy Bones - Jordan News
Summer Sun: Your Natural Dose of Vitamin D for Healthy Bones - Jordan News

Jordan News

time25-06-2025

  • Jordan News

Summer Sun: Your Natural Dose of Vitamin D for Healthy Bones - Jordan News

Summer Sun: Your Natural Dose of Vitamin D for Healthy Bones Exposure to sunlight is an effective natural way to boost the body's production of vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of bones, teeth, and muscles. اضافة اعلان With rising temperatures in summer, many people spend more time outdoors, giving them the opportunity to benefit from the sun's rays. Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body, both essential for healthy bone structure. However, deficiency can lead to serious health complications, such as bone deformities in children like rickets, and osteomalacia in adults—a condition characterized by bone pain due to low vitamin levels. To balance benefit and protection, experts recommend moderate sun exposure. Dr. Karan Rajan, a surgeon with the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and a popular figure on TikTok, explained that '25 minutes of sun exposure several times a week is sufficient to naturally and safely boost vitamin D production.' The NHS website also notes that while vitamin D from the sun does not pose an overdose risk, excessive exposure can cause other harms such as skin damage and increased risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is advised to use sunscreen, cover the skin, and avoid peak sunlight hours, especially during prolonged outdoor stays. Vitamin D is also available in a limited number of foods, including oily fish, red meat, and egg yolks. Supplements are recommended to fill gaps, particularly in winter months when sunlight is scarce. Source: Mirror

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store