20% of Americans use TikTok as their primary health consultant

Of the portion that chose TikTok, 37% stated that they believe influencers to be more accessible than health professionals, which is somewhat alarming but hardly shocking. What is literally barmy, is that 17% claimed to trust influencers more than doctors.

The top three conditions that TikTok pros were consulted on most were anxiety, weight loss, and depression – all of which, ironically, are thought to be intrinsically linked to social media. Given the app’s predominantly young user-base, this also makes sense.

If you’re finding these numbers concerning, there is at least some semblance of critical thinking at play here. 89% of those surveyed subscribe to the notion that influencers can contribute to the spread of misinformation, and 76% fact-check what they’re told elsewhere.

@dr.tommymartin Love and seeve your patients like you woukd want you loved ones cared for IB: @nicojn05 #doctor #medical #residency #patientcare #fyp #foryou #greenscreen ♬ original sound – davey wifey

That being said, when it comes to celebrity endorsements for medication or supplements, 51% say they feel more encouraged to go and buy. The undeniable power of advertising, eh?

If you wish to trawl through the study in its entirety, click here.

In the grand scheme of things, people self-diagnosing on the internet is nothing new. Claim you’ve never typed your symptoms into a Google search and we’ll call you a liar.

What is more surprising, is that societal attitudes towards convenience and expediency can apply to something as important as our physical and mental health. Where supply and demand may seem a little lop-sided in healthcare, it certainly isn’t in social media.

Those creating the content also have huge incentives, with some former practitioners moving their trade entirely onto TikTok, or utilising the platform as a lucrative side-gig. For those who aren’t just about monetary benefits, there’s the promise of a far larger reach, and working flexibility.

We have to stress now that we do not condone taking to TikTok as a first port of call for medical concerns, but again we find ourselves uttering that bland old adage: It’s a sign of the times.