Latest news with #DanPoulter
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Over half of top 100 mental health TikTok videos contain misinformation: report
Over half of the top-trending TikTok videos giving advice on mental health include misinformation, according to a report released Saturday. The Guardian compiled the top 100 TikTok videos posted under the #mentalhealthtips hashtag and sent them to psychiatrists, academics and psychologists, who examined them for misinformation. Some examples of bad advice include using supplements like holy basil, saffron or magnesium glycinate or eating an orange in the shower to decrease anxiety, "methods to heal trauma within an hour" and "guidance presenting normal emotional experiences as a sign of borderline personality disorder or abuse." 'Skinnytok' Weight-loss Trend Could Lead To Food Deprivation, Experts Caution The Guardian says that in its review, experts determined that "52 out of 100 videos offering advice on dealing with trauma, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression and severe mental illness contained some misinformation, and that many others were vague or unhelpful." Dan Poulter, a former health minister and NHS psychiatrist who looked at the videos about severe mental illness, said some of them "pathologise everyday experiences and emotions, suggesting that they equate to a diagnosis of serious mental illness.""This is providing misinformation to impressionable people and can also trivialise the life experiences of people living with serious mental illnesses," Poulter said. Read On The Fox News App Amber Johnston, a British Psychological Society-accredited psychologist who evaluated the trauma videos, told The Guardian that even though some contained portions of truth, they were oversimplified. "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," Johnston said. "The truth is that PTSD and trauma symptoms are highly individual experiences that cannot be compared across people and require a trained and accredited clinician to help a person understand the individual nature of their distress." She added that "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." Albania Issues Yearlong Tiktok Ban Amid Youth Violence Concerns Another expert, Chi Onwurah, a Labour member of Parliament in the United Kingdom, said TikTok doesn't have the best track record. "Content recommender systems used by platforms like TikTok have been found to amplify potentially harmful misinformation, like this misleading or false mental health advice," she added. "There's clearly an urgent need to address shortcomings in the OSA to make sure it can protect the public's online safety and their health." The Guardian reported that TikTok said videos were removed "if they discouraged people from seeking medical support or promoted dangerous treatments. When people in the UK search for terms linked to mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, autism or post-traumatic stress disorder, they are also directed to NHS information." In January, the Supreme Court upheld a federal law that would ban the Chinese-owned social media company. In May, President Donald Trump said that he would extend the deadline for the TikTok ban so that the company can be sold to a U.S. owner. A TikTok spokesperson told Fox News Digital about The Guardian's analysis, "There are clear limitations to the methodology of this study which opposes this free expression and suggests that people should not be allowed to share their own stories." They added that, "At TikTok, we proactively work with health experts at the World Health Organisation and others to promote reliable information on our platform and remove 98% of harmful misinformation before it's reported to us." Jeff Smith, director of the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation, told Fox News Digital the news only adds to concerns about the company. "If we needed another reason to wrest control of TikTok away from the Chinese Communist Party, this report on mental health disinformation would serve as a powerful reminder," Smith said. He added, "It has been clear for years that this is just the tip of the iceberg. The extent of TikTok's misinformation, propaganda, and espionage activities are shocking and extensive. This report only underscores the urgent need for the Trump administration to force a sale of TikTok to an American entity or ban the app from operating in the United States, as required by law."Original article source: Over half of top 100 mental health TikTok videos contain misinformation: report
Fox News
04-06-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Over half of top 100 mental health TikTok videos contain misinformation: report
Over half of the top-trending TikTok videos giving advice on mental health include misinformation, according to a report released Saturday. The Guardian compiled the top 100 TikTok videos posted under the #mentalhealthtips hashtag and sent them to psychiatrists, academics and psychologists, who examined them for misinformation. Some examples of bad advice include using supplements like holy basil, saffron or magnesium glycinate or eating an orange in the shower to decrease anxiety, "methods to heal trauma within an hour" and "guidance presenting normal emotional experiences as a sign of borderline personality disorder or abuse." The Guardian says that in its review, experts determined that "52 out of 100 videos offering advice on dealing with trauma, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression and severe mental illness contained some misinformation, and that many others were vague or unhelpful." Dan Poulter, a former health minister and NHS psychiatrist who looked at the videos about severe mental illness, said some of them "pathologise everyday experiences and emotions, suggesting that they equate to a diagnosis of serious mental illness.""This is providing misinformation to impressionable people and can also trivialise the life experiences of people living with serious mental illnesses," Poulter said. Amber Johnston, a British Psychological Society-accredited psychologist who evaluated the trauma videos, told The Guardian that even though some contained portions of truth, they were oversimplified. "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," Johnston said. "The truth is that PTSD and trauma symptoms are highly individual experiences that cannot be compared across people and require a trained and accredited clinician to help a person understand the individual nature of their distress." She added that "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." Another expert, Chi Onwurah, a Labour member of Parliament in the United Kingdom, said TikTok doesn't have the best track record. "Content recommender systems used by platforms like TikTok have been found to amplify potentially harmful misinformation, like this misleading or false mental health advice," she added. "There's clearly an urgent need to address shortcomings in the OSA to make sure it can protect the public's online safety and their health." The Guardian reported that TikTok said videos were removed "if they discouraged people from seeking medical support or promoted dangerous treatments. When people in the UK search for terms linked to mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, autism or post-traumatic stress disorder, they are also directed to NHS information." In January, the Supreme Court upheld a federal law that would ban the Chinese-owned social media company. In May, President Donald Trump said that he would extend the deadline for the TikTok ban so that the company can be sold to a U.S. owner. A TikTok spokesperson told Fox News Digital about The Guardian's analysis, "There are clear limitations to the methodology of this study which opposes this free expression and suggests that people should not be allowed to share their own stories." They added that, "At TikTok, we proactively work with health experts at the World Health Organisation and others to promote reliable information on our platform and remove 98% of harmful misinformation before it's reported to us." Jeff Smith, director of the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation, told Fox News Digital the news only adds to concerns about the company. "If we needed another reason to wrest control of TikTok away from the Chinese Communist Party, this report on mental health disinformation would serve as a powerful reminder," Smith said. He added, "It has been clear for years that this is just the tip of the iceberg. The extent of TikTok's misinformation, propaganda, and espionage activities are shocking and extensive. This report only underscores the urgent need for the Trump administration to force a sale of TikTok to an American entity or ban the app from operating in the United States, as required by law."
Express Tribune
01-06-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Over half of top TikTok mental health videos contain misinformation, study finds
Listen to article More than half of the 100 most popular mental health videos on TikTok contain misleading or inaccurate information, a Guardian investigation has revealed, prompting concern from mental health professionals and UK MPs. The analysis examined top videos under the hashtag #mentalhealthtips, with input from psychologists, psychiatrists, and academic experts. Of the reviewed posts, 52 were found to contain some form of misinformation, particularly around conditions such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence. Examples of misleading content included simplistic 'quick-fix' advice, such as eating an orange in the shower to ease anxiety, as well as unproven claims about supplements like saffron and magnesium glycinate. Some videos promoted the idea that trauma could be 'healed' in under an hour or mislabelled everyday emotional experiences as symptoms of serious mental illness. Dr David Okai, a consultant neuropsychiatrist at King's College London, warned that misuse of clinical terms such as 'anxiety', 'wellbeing', and 'mental disorder' could lead to confusion about what constitutes a diagnosable mental health condition. Former health minister and NHS psychiatrist Dan Poulter said several posts pathologised normal feelings, risking the trivialisation of genuine mental illness. Psychologist Amber Johnston added that the trauma-related content oversimplified complex conditions like PTSD, often presenting misleading 'universal solutions'. TikTok stated that it removes harmful content and directs users to official NHS sources when they search for terms like anxiety or depression. The platform defended users' rights to share personal experiences, but critics argue that algorithms often amplify emotionally charged misinformation. Chi Onwurah MP, who chairs the Commons technology committee, said the findings raise 'significant concerns' about the efficacy of the Online Safety Act (OSA) in tackling false and harmful health advice online. Other MPs echoed calls for stronger regulation, warning of the psychological harm misinformation may cause. Experts emphasised that mental illness can only be accurately diagnosed by qualified professionals following a thorough assessment. They urged the public to rely on evidence-based guidance from trusted health institutions. The government says it is acting through the OSA to compel platforms to reduce harmful content, particularly material posing risks to children.
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Mental health myths go viral on social media: Experts warn of potential risks
It's not fun and content anymore. 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
New York Post
31-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Popular mental health videos on TikTok spread misinformation and pose a great risk, experts warned
More than half of the most popular TikTok videos about mental health peddle misinformation and pose a significant risk to users struggling with complex conditions, British 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 – 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 – 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.
