Maddy Dever, an autistic mom of four autistic kids who frequently comes across iffy autism cures on TikTok. TikTok, especially, is a platform where these bad ideas thrive. Misinformation about so-called treatments has reached new highs. This increase is specifically driven by the dangerous spread of ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19, pushed by right-wing commentators and pseudoscientific doctors. This worsening trend has rightfully angered both health professionals and parents, who are justifiably becoming more concerned about unproven therapies being propagated online.
After a year-long investigation by Marketplace reporters, the truth came tumbling down. They took a look at 200 health-related videos on TikTok, concentrating on both cancer and autism treatments. The findings indicate that misinformation isn’t merely widespread, it’s flourishing. In fact, a confounding 80 percent of the remedies demonstrated in these videos are not backed by credible scientific evidence. At the same time, this shocking trend should lead us to question whether we are exposing these vulnerable children and their families to more harm with these treatments.
The Impact of Misleading Information
Dever expressed understanding for parents who go in search of unproven cures. They are motivated by an authentic desperation to alleviate their children’s burdens. “I feel for parents who are trying these things because they really want to see their kids not struggle and, in some cases, not suffer,” she stated. Such decisions are so emotionally charged. Perhaps most problematic, parents are so eager for positive news that they want to believe in contrived improvements.
As a pediatrician, Dr. Melanie Penner’s practice is experiencing an influx of visiting families each week. She tells us that patients go to her asking about these new treatments, having found them online themselves. She remarked on the risks associated with these unproven therapies, stating, “There is a risk of death that comes with these treatments.” The risk of dire health impacts makes the conversation about misinformation concerning autism therapies all the more urgent.
Dr. Penner further explained the biological dangers posed by these treatments, saying, “[It] can cause the electrolytes, the minerals in your body, to shift rapidly.” The health impacts of these sorts of shifts are profound, often resulting in devastating illness and premature death. Her worries are the same as a growing concern among those in the medical community. They’re concerned about the role social media plays in the public’s understanding of health and healing.
Viral Misinformation on Social Media
The deep dive by the folks at Marketplace found that 100 videos explaining autism therapies led to a statistically insignificant 100 more videos explaining cancer treatment. Among the autism-related videos, one particularly alarming example showcased a procedure being performed on an autistic girl while her parents narrated the process. The most disturbing content poses ethical considerations regarding representations of marginalized people in degrading or dangerous environments.
Another viral video suggested that chelation therapy could improve communication and behavior in autistic children, generating 760,000 views. These kinds of sweeping claims have no scientific basis but they play to the fears of panicked parents looking for a miracle drug. As health policy expert Tim Caulfield pointed out, we know personal stories are the most effective tools for sharing misinformation. “Testimonials, anecdotes, stories — probably the number one way that unproven therapies are pushed on social media,” he explained. The emotional appeal of these narratives usually forces audiences to shut down their critical thinking activated by the lack of reliable proof.
Our analysis found that stem cell therapies for autism featured in at least 14 of these videos. These videos combined reached over 3.2 million views. Although promoted as revolutionary solutions, these therapies are still not approved or accepted for treating autism in Canada. The increasing ubiquity of misleading medical claims online raises an important concern. What we most need to do is educate the public on the unique dangers these false claims pose.
The Need for Evidence-Based Treatments
Dr. Abha Gupta, who looked at many of the videos reviewed by Marketplace. Commonly, she says, patients will come to her with questions about unproven therapies. She underscored what role evidence-based practices play in healthcare. In her belief, only legitimate therapies should be subjected to rigorous testing to demonstrate their efficacy. “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,” Dever echoed.
The consequences of fraudulent health claims are not just limited to the families cheated – they now threaten whole communities as well. Dr. Penner articulated her alarm at the popularity and acceptance of such false claims as the norm around autism treatments. “It makes me really concerned that so many people are hearing a bold, incorrect and dangerous claim like that,” she remarked.
In the realm of cancer treatment videos analyzed by Marketplace, claims about anti-cancer diets or fasting as cures appeared in over a third of the content reviewed. Furthermore, claims that these drugs could treat or cure cancer appeared in nine videos, which together racked up nearly 1.3 million views. When celebrities adopt these claims, they supercharge their spread through their popularity. Anecdotal success stories add to their allure, despite having no scientific basis.
