She Strengthens

The Dark Side of Medical TikTok

A Growing Concern

With over 1 billion downloads, TikTok has become one of the fastest-growing social media platforms, surpassing Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram in 2019. Among the many types of content on TikTok, “Medical TikTok” has gained significant attention, featuring healthcare professionals sharing their experiences and offering health advice. However, beneath the surface of these seemingly harmless videos lies a worrying trend.

Mocking Patients

Some medical TikToks have gone viral for all the wrong reasons. A recent video by a user known as D Rose showed her imitating a patient faking a panic attack, sparking outrage and prompting activist Imani Barbarin to create the hashtag #PatientsAreNotFaking. Thousands of people shared their experiences of being dismissed by doctors and nurses who assumed they were faking their symptoms. Other videos have followed a similar pattern, with healthcare professionals making light of serious medical issues, such as heart attacks and STDs.

The Consequences

These videos have sparked major backlash, with many expressing concern that they could discourage people from seeking medical help due to fear of being judged or insulted by their doctors. “Attending a doctor’s appointment should be a safe and confidential space, free from judgment,” says Dr. Daniel Atkinson, lead clinician at Treated.com. The issue is particularly concerning for marginalized communities, who have long been disbelieved and discriminated against by healthcare professionals.

A Platform for Misinformation

TikTok’s comedic nature and lack of verification system make it difficult to distinguish between genuine medical professionals and those posing as such. This has led to the spread of misinformation, with some videos promoting harmful and misleading health advice. “Giving the impression that marriage offers protection from STDs is dangerous and misleading,” says Dr. Atkinson.

A Call to Action

While TikTok may not have created the problem of prejudice in healthcare, it has certainly highlighted the issue. The good news is that these controversial videos have sparked conversations about medical malpractice and the need for accountability. There is still space for healthcare professionals to challenge discrimination and share vital health information on TikTok. As Imani Barbarin says, “I think the real opportunity here is to break down your own biases in front of the camera… If you come to some kind of realization about medical care and marginalized people, you need to say that out loud.”