TikTok Removes Misinformation on Birth Control After Investigation Reveals Harmful Content
A recent investigation by The Independent and tech company Alethea has exposed the spread of birth control misinformation on TikTok, prompting the social media giant to remove several videos promoting unproven claims. The investigation revealed that prominent wellness influencers, reaching millions of viewers, shared videos downplaying the benefits of birth control while exaggerating its risks, including cancer and psychological side effects. Some videos even touted unproven herbal alternatives like Queen Anne’s Lace and advocated for "detoxing" after stopping hormonal birth control. These videos, often presented in an engaging and aesthetically pleasing manner, garnered significant traction, accumulating millions of views and thousands of shares between February 2021 and July 2024.
The investigation, leveraging Alethea’s expertise in online risk detection, identified several prevalent myths being propagated by these influencers. These misleading narratives often used popular hashtags like #womenshealth, #truth, #holistichealth, #fertilityawareness, and #holistichealing, potentially reaching a wider audience beyond the influencers’ direct followers. The Independent flagged these hashtags to TikTok, but the platform did not initially respond to inquiries about potential action. The spread of this misinformation extended beyond TikTok, with similar content appearing on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
Dr. Viki Male, a senior lecturer in reproductive immunology at Imperial College London, emphasized the importance of accurate information regarding birth control. She clarified that while contraceptives, like any medication, carry risks, these are generally low and significantly less severe than the risks associated with pregnancy. Dr. Male debunked the myth of a "wash-out" period, explaining that there’s no scientific evidence to support the claim that prolonged birth control use delays pregnancy, except for injectable contraceptives, which are designed for extended release. While acknowledging the potential for side effects, Dr. Male reiterated the overall safety and effectiveness of hormonal birth control.
Following the investigation, TikTok removed content promoting the false claims that birth control risks outweigh its benefits and that Queen Anne’s Lace is an effective contraceptive. However, videos related to "detoxing" after birth control were not removed. TikTok also proactively removed other content from these influencers violating its medical misinformation policies, even those not specifically flagged by The Independent. This action underscores the platform’s growing concern about the spread of misleading health information.
The prevalence of misinformation on platforms like TikTok is particularly concerning given the evolving online habits of younger generations. Recent studies have shown that Gen Z increasingly relies on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok as primary search engines, even surpassing Google for local searches. This trend highlights the significant influence these platforms wield and the potential impact of misinformation on young users’ health decisions.
The incident underscores the need for continued vigilance against health misinformation online. TikTok, along with other social media platforms, faces increasing scrutiny to address the spread of misleading health content, especially regarding women’s health. Research indicates that women are among the largest demographics of TikTok users in the United States, making them particularly vulnerable to the influence of inaccurate health information on the platform. This necessitates a proactive approach from healthcare professionals and communication scholars to leverage TikTok as a platform for disseminating accurate health information and countering misinformation. TikTok’s collaboration with the World Health Organization and its efforts to promote reliable content through networks of trusted healthcare professionals are steps in the right direction, but further action is needed to effectively combat the persistent challenge of online health misinformation. The platform’s community guidelines, while prohibiting harmful misinformation, also allow users to share personal experiences, which can create a grey area where potentially misleading anecdotes are presented alongside factual information. This highlights the ongoing need for continuous monitoring and refinement of content moderation strategies to ensure the accuracy and safety of information shared on these influential platforms.
