TikTok’s autism Content: Study Reveals Widespread Misinformation as Adult Diagnoses Surge
A new study reveals a notable amount of misleading or inaccurate information circulating on TikTok regarding autism,coinciding with a dramatic rise in adults seeking diagnosis. Researchers analyzed 150 videos tagged with #actuallyautistic, #latediagnosedautistic, and #autism, finding a significant portion were either personal narratives or contained potentially harmful inaccuracies. The findings underscore the platform’s powerful influence on public perception of autism and the urgent need for critical evaluation of online health information.
The increasing popularity of platforms like TikTok has coincided with a notable increase in adults pursuing autism diagnoses-a trend potentially fueled by greater awareness and exposure to autism-related content online. This study, a cross-sectional, descriptive content analysis, sought to understand how autistic adults are engaging with TikTok and to assess the quality of information available. The research highlights the platform’s dual role as both a space for identity exploration and a potential source of misinformation, impacting a growing population navigating self-finding and seeking professional validation.
Researchers employed content analysis to examine themes, attitudes, clinical accuracy, and user engagement metrics within the selected videos. the analysis revealed that many topics centered around identity and diagnosis, ofen accompanied by negative themes. Notably, significant differences in content existed between the three hashtags, suggesting potential biases within different autism-related communities on TikTok.
The study concludes that TikTok serves as a potent platform for autism awareness, education, and identity formation. However, the prevalence of inaccurate information necessitates improved digital literacy skills to effectively navigate and evaluate online content. The insights gained into discussions of autistic identity may also prove valuable for healthcare providers seeking to better understand and connect with this expanding patient group.
Keywords: Adulthood; autism; Identity; Misinformation; Social media; TikTok.