Concerns have emerged regarding the accuracy of autism-related information shared on the popular social media platform TikTok. Researchers from Drexel University’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute conducted a comprehensive analysis of TikTok videos focusing on autism and discovered that a significant amount of the content contradicts current clinical knowledge.
Given TikTok’s worldwide popularity with over two billion mobile downloads in 2020, the researchers felt it was necessary to investigate its role in disseminating information about autism. They specifically examined videos associated with the “#Autism” hashtag, analyzing engagement metrics such as views and “likes.” Out of the top 133 videos that provided informational content about autism and garnered nearly 200 million views and 25 million “likes,” the researchers found that 27% were accurate, 41% were inaccurate, and 32% were overgeneralized.
An interesting finding was that there were no notable differences in engagement levels between accurate and inaccurate or overgeneralized videos. The team also observed that content produced by healthcare professionals was more likely to provide accurate information. Elisabeth Sheridan, PhD, director of Clinical Core and co-author of the study, emphasized the need for awareness about the potentially misleading information circulating on TikTok, especially within the autism community.
The study revealed that TikTok can distort understanding in two ways. Firstly, by spreading blatant misinformation, often promoting certain products as “cures” for autism. Secondly, by oversimplifying individual experiences, failing to represent the diverse range of manifestations of autism. Many individuals with autism and their families have expressed concerns about misinformation, including anti-vaccination myths, proliferating on TikTok.
Sheridan highlighted the importance of social media as a space for sharing lived experiences and building a sense of community. However, it is crucial to recognize the potential harm that misinformation can inflict on individuals with autism and their families. She further emphasized the unfiltered nature of the information on TikTok, urging stakeholders in the autism community, including autistic individuals, family members, and clinicians, to be aware of this.
Giacomo Vivanti, PhD, an associate professor in the Autism Institute and co-author of the study, emphasized the necessity to monitor and combat misinformation that can harm those on the autism spectrum and their families. He also stressed the importance of the scientific community gaining perspective on how autism is perceived and experienced by TikTok users.
The team’s findings were published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. This research serves as a reminder of the need for accurate and reliable information about autism, especially in an era where social media plays a significant role in information dissemination.
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