A recent investigation by The Guardian has uncovered a troubling trend on TikTok: more than half of the platform’s 100 most popular videos under the hashtag #mentalhealthtips contain misleading or inaccurate information. The study, conducted with input from psychologists, psychiatrists, and academic experts, identified 52 out of 100 top videos as containing some form of misinformation.
Particularly concerning were videos that offered oversimplified or “quick-fix” solutions, such as the suggestion to eat an orange in the shower to relieve anxiety. Some creators falsely claimed trauma can be “healed” in under an hour, while others misrepresented normal emotional fluctuations as signs of serious mental illness. Unproven supplements, including saffron and magnesium glycinate, were also frequently mentioned as miracle cures.
Chi Onwurah MP, chair of the Commons technology committee, expressed significant concerns about the Online Safety Act’s ability to address such false and potentially harmful health content. Other MPs echoed these concerns, stressing the potential psychological harm misinformation can inflict.
Experts involved in the review highlighted the importance of seeking evidence-based mental health advice from qualified professionals and reputable institutions. They cautioned that mental health diagnoses require thorough assessment by trained clinicians and warned against relying on social media content for medical guidance.The UK government maintains that the Online Safety Act is intended to push platforms to minimize harmful content, particularly content that endangers children’s wellbeing. However, this investigation underscores the urgent need for stronger regulation and digital literacy to ensure that social media users, especially young audiences, are not misled by false claims about mental health.
