Marketplace recently did a deep dive into health videos on TikTok, and found a shocking amount of misinformation. The research examined 200 videos, half of which were about cancer treatments and the other half about autism treatments. The results show us that the majority of these videos are circulating material promoting unproven miracle cures. This has the potential to confuse susceptible audiences seeking trustworthy health content.
Our investigation finds that Canada has approved a grand total of three cellular therapeutic products. None of these are approved for treating autism. The analysis included various alarming claims, including a video featuring a procedure on an autistic girl narrated by her parents. One creator claimed her own status as the mother of an autistic child, overshadowing the content and blurring the line between creator and story.
Alarming Claims About Autism Therapies
Among the analyzed content, a video boasting 760,000 views suggested that chelation therapy could enhance communication and behavior in children with autism. As we explained in this blog, this has no scientific basis. It exemplifies the type of bad, hyper-partisan, click-bait analysis that gets peddled as gospel on social media platforms.
Maddy Dever is the autistic mom of four autistic kids. In part, she told of her personal frustration with daily exposure to dangerous new snake oil treatments that proliferate online. “If you legitimately see something as a legitimate therapy to support change for people, for kids, then you go through the process to prove that it works,” she stated. Dever’s perspective highlights the importance of subjecting therapies to the most rigorous forms of validation before they get distributed to the masses.
Marketplace found that stem cell therapies for autism were promoted in at least 14 of those reviewed videos. These videos combined reached a jaw-dropping 3.2 million views. This trend is a reflection of the demand for these treatments and the unfortunate lack of pre-market standard for substantial evidence of their effectiveness.
Misleading Information on Cancer Treatments
Our investigation found that false claims about cancer treatments were just as widespread. Over one-third of the cancer treatment videos made claims involving anti-cancer diets or fasting as remedies. These misleading claims undermine the life-saving work of scientists and deny patients and families struggling with devastating health conditions.
Among them an especially alarming video that falsely advertised a drug to cure cancer went on to receive over 1.3 million views. Celebrity endorsements have fueled these myths even further. For instance, actor Mel Gibson claimed that acquaintances of his had discovered remission after using an obscure drug. These kinds of endorsements can have a powerful impact on popular understanding, sometimes even contributing to dangerous decisions.
Dr. Melanie Penner, a physician who frequently encounters patients seeking information about unproven treatments, voiced her concerns about the dangers of these claims. “There is a risk of death that comes with these treatments,” she warned. Our takeaways from Dr. Penner’s research for a deeper understanding It’s crucial to always consult scientifically validated therapies before you turn to anecdotal evidence.
The Role of Personal Narratives in Misinformation
The emotional appeal inherent to individual narratives is a key factor influencing the viral spread of misinformation on social media. Tim Caulfield, a health misinformation researcher, noted that testimonials and anecdotes are often the primary vehicles for promoting unproven therapies. “We’re wired to listen to stories and to be compelled by stories,” he explained.
Caulfield explained that people maybe want to feel like they’re at home in the stories they hear. This thirst gives the most misleading claims the greatest allure. He further emphasized the dangerous allure of these stories, stating, “It’s wishful thinking. There’s really no solid evidence to support this at all.”
Dr. Abha Gupta spoke on the subject, dispelling misconceptions that sugar intake causes cancer. “Sugar consumption does nothing to cause cancer,” she stated firmly. Dr. Gupta’s powerful testimony underscores the crucial need for clear, accurate information in debates on diet and cancer.
