Youngsters sourcing their medical knowledge from platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Wikipedia, research suggests - Youngsters are acquiring medical knowledge from platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Wikipedia, according to a new study.
Medical Information Seeking Among Teens: A Digitally-Driven Trend
Germany - A new survey reveals that YouTube, TikTok, and Wikipedia are the primary sources for medical information among teenagers, with YouTube leading at 27%, TikTok following closely behind at 26%, and Wikipedia at 25%. Other platforms such as health portals and health insurers' websites/apps hold lesser shares, accounting for 19% and 18% respectively.
This finding raises concerns about the reliability of the information found on these digital platforms, particularly YouTube and TikTok, which are primarily user-generated content. While abundant and easily accessible, the accuracy and completeness of health information on these platforms can be questionable.
YouTube and TikTok, being popular among teenagers, are turning into venues for healthcare education, with engaging video content about medical procedures, health challenges, and individual health journeys. However, the creation and dissemination of misinformation, trends that promote risky behaviors, and algorithms that might amplify incorrect or sensationalized content, are significant issues.
Wikipedia, while offering comprehensive and quickly referenced information, faces challenges due to open editing, editing errors, and potential bias.
As teens increasingly rely on digital sources for healthcare information, a strengthened digital health literacy is deemed essential to help them evaluate the credibility of the information they encounter online.
In Germany, the survey was conducted in Berlin, supported by Barmer. The survey's findings highlight the importance of addressing the digital health literacy of teenagers, ensuring they are equipped to make informed decisions about their health in this increasingly digital age.
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Wikipedia
- Germany
- Survey
- Barmer
Influence of YouTube, TikTok, and Wikipedia:- Popularity Among Teens: YouTube and TikTok's appeal to young audiences is high; TikTok, in particular, attracts a sizeable percentage of its global users (41%) between 16 and 24 years old. Teens find these platforms easy to access and engaging due to their short-form content.- Medical Information Seeking: These platforms cater to the healthcare information needs of teens, offering explanations in engaging formats and catering to their preferences for short and easily digestible content.- Social Support and Awareness: These platforms serve as avenues for young people to share health experiences, seek advice, and find emotional support, addressing feelings of isolation.
Concerns Regarding Reliability:- Accuracy and Credibility: Misinformation, incomplete information, or biased content can pose issues for those seeking healthcare information. YouTube and TikTok's reliance on user-generated content raises concerns about accuracy and completeness. Trends on these platforms may promote risky or harmful behaviors without adequate warnings or medical advice.- Wikipedia: Despite its efforts to ensure accuracy, its open editing process can lead to errors or potential bias. Additionally, its reliance on secondary sources means that it may be out-of-date or misinterpret primary information.
- The Commission, in consultations on the draft directive on the protection of young people, has voiced concerns about the exposure of teenagers to carcinogens, referencing YouTube, TikTok, and Wikipedia as common sources of health-and-wellness information.
- In light of this trend, online-education platforms focusing on science, mental-health, education-and-self-development, and other health-related topics could potentially provide more reliable and credible resources for teens seeking medical information.
- As the German survey revealing YouTube, TikTok, and Wikipedia's prominence as sources for healthcare information among teens calls for enhanced digital health literacy, education about the importance of evaluating digital content for reliability is essential for self-development and protecting the health of young individuals.
