A new study has found that TikTok, one of the most popular platforms among teenagers, is rife with inaccurate and sometimes dangerous sexual health advice—especially on abortion-related topics. The findings underline growing concerns about the platform’s influence on young people who increasingly turn to social media for health information.
The study, led by Angeli Sirilan of the University of Arizona College of Medicine, created a TikTok account representing a 15-year-old user to replicate a teen’s browsing experience. The team wanted to evaluate what information adolescents are most likely to encounter when searching for sexual and reproductive health topics online.
The results will be presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2025 National Conference & Exhibition.
Social Media as a Health Information Hub
Research indicates that around four in ten young adults rely on TikTok for news, with many young women turning to the platform for health advice—sometimes unintentionally. Unlike textbooks or medical websites, TikTok content is shaped by algorithms prioritizing engagement, not accuracy.
Despite this, few studies have examined how reliable reproductive health education is on TikTok. The University of Arizona project set out to measure not only the accuracy of the information but also whether unsafe or misleading practices were being promoted.
How the Study Was Conducted
On March 25, 2025, researchers launched the test account. They searched 10 sexual and reproductive health-related keywords, reviewing the top 10 English-language videos under three minutes for each search term.
In total, 100 videos were analyzed. Each was categorized as accurate, inaccurate, or neutral by two independent reviewers. The team also assessed whether videos were created by medical professionals and whether they encouraged unsafe behaviors.
To ensure objectivity, all reviews were carried out separately, with an impressive 98 percent agreement between reviewers.
Startling Results: Accuracy Linked to Credentials
The findings showed a clear difference between content produced by healthcare professionals and that made by other users:
- 21.4% of videos from non-medical creators contained inaccurate information.
- Only 3.4% of videos made by medical professionals were inaccurate.
The misinformation ranged from misleading STD prevention tips to unsafe suggestions on self-managed abortions. Some advice posed serious risks to viewers’ health and safety.
Abortion-Related Content Poses Greatest Risk
Abortion-related searches generated the highest levels of misinformation. More than a quarter (26.7%) of abortion-related videos were inaccurate, compared to just 4.3% in other health categories.
Searches such as pill abortion, induced miscarriage, and how to get an abortion not only surfaced more false information but were also the only keywords linked to unsafe practices.
Although 58% of videos overall were created by healthcare professionals, the inaccurate and risk-promoting posts largely came from non-professionals whose content often spreads faster due to algorithm-driven virality.
Why Teens Look to TikTok
The study’s findings reflect larger gaps in health education. Sexual health curricula vary widely in schools, leaving many teenagers searching elsewhere for answers. TikTok, with its short, digestible videos and peer-driven tone, becomes an easy alternative.
However, while TikTok can expand access to important reproductive health information, its effectiveness depends heavily on the credibility of creators. Verified healthcare professionals produce more accurate content, but their reach often trails behind that of influencers and personal accounts.
TikTok’s Response and Content Policies
TikTok allows users to share personal stories about medical experiences but prohibits harmful health misinformation. The platform defines harmful misinformation as advice that discourages people from getting proper medical treatment for serious conditions or content that could negatively affect health outcomes.
The company says such content is removed under its Community Guidelines. TikTok also highlights its investments in digital literacy initiatives to help users assess the reliability of what they see online.
Implications for Public Health
The findings carry weighty implications for public health leaders, educators, and parents. Adolescents repeatedly exposed to inaccurate health content may develop risky behaviors or misunderstandings that can have lasting consequences.
The study points to abortion-related content as a particularly urgent area requiring closer oversight. Both healthcare professionals and social media platforms are urged to take greater responsibility for ensuring young people have access to safe, accurate guidance.
A Double-Edged Sword
The research team concludes that TikTok serves as both an opportunity and a risk. On one hand, it is a powerful tool for reaching teens with vital health information. On the other, the platform exposes them to misinformation that could jeopardize their well-being.
To minimize harm, experts recommend closer collaboration between educators, healthcare professionals, parents, and technology companies. By combining education with stricter monitoring of harmful content, young people may be better equipped to navigate the vast sea of health advice circulating online.
