Misleading birth control advice on TikTok is exposing young people to an increased risk of unplanned pregnancies, according to new research by La Trobe University.
The study, published in the journal Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, analysed 100 TikTok videos on contraceptive health that had collectively gained nearly 5 billion views and 14.6 million likes.
The researchers found more than half (53 per cent) of TikTok content creators reviewed clearly rejected hormonal birth control, while about a third (34 per cent) expressed distrust in health professionals. Fertility awareness and cycle tracking (38 per cent) and the pill (35 per cent) were most frequently discussed subjects.
Lead researcher, Dr Caroline de Moel-Mandel from La Trobe University’s School of Psychology and Public Health, said TikTok was a growing source of contraceptive information for young adults, but much of the content was unreliable and of poor quality, putting pressure on young people to sort fact from fiction.
“Many TikTok creators promoted natural contraceptive methods like fertility tracking without disclosing their limitations, which include accurately tracking hormone fluctuations, motivation and partner cooperation,” Dr Moel-Mandel said.
“Importantly, they failed to mention that these methods are generally ineffective when used on their own. This kind of misinformation, combined with a growing distrust in healthcare professionals can result in unsafe decisions and ultimately, unplanned pregnancies.”
Only 10 per cent of the analysed videos were created by health professionals, while the rest featured first-hand experiences and beliefs from influencers and general uploaders, or advice from self-proclaimed “hormonal health coaches” or wellness educators with significant reach.
Co-author and La Trobe lecturer in public health Megan Bugden said while videos by health professionals gained on average more likes and followers, TikTok’s algorithm amplified influencers’ voices with greater reach over medical experts.
“Social media is reshaping health care providers’ relationships with patients,” Megan said.
“We encourage health professionals to rebuild trust through shared decision-making on contraceptive options, which may increase patient satisfaction and mitigate unreliable information posted online.”
With TikTok’s widespread reach, women’s and public health organisations also have a significant role to play in countering misinformation.
“Young people deserve accurate information to make informed contraceptive health decisions, regardless of background or resources,” Megan said.
“Public health organisations should collaborate with social influencers to promote safe and effective contraceptive information through messages that resonate with younger audiences.”
Dr Caroline de Moel-Mandel and Megan Bugden are available for interview.
Media enquiries
Debora McInnes – d.mcinnes@latrobe.edu.au, 0487 448 734 or [email protected]
