The 1.7 trillion The $1.6 trillion U.S. budget bill currently being negotiated to avoid a shutdown later this week could spell TikTok The spending package could pass with provisions banning TikTok from government devices. Last week, the US Senate unanimously passed such a bill after several states made similar moves. Another bill introduced in the Senate would ban TikTok altogether.
Dangerous half-knowledge
However, TikTok is not just a security threat or a way to endlessly waste time. A study by CharityRx has now shown that it is also a common source of health information. Young adults are particularly affected by this. According to a survey of 2,000 Americans, a third of Gen Z get health information from TikTok. Another 44 percent get information on YouTube before contacting their doctor. One in five Americans also say they first visit TikTok and then consult a doctor to treat an illness. The same proportion say they trust medical influencers more than local medical professionals.
The main reasons include accessibility at 37 percent, affordability at 33 percent and accessibility at 23 percent. At 17 percent, almost one in five people say they would turn to influencers to avoid judgment from medical experts or because they do not have access to this group of people. According to Ellen Rudolph, founder of WellTheory , a platform for people with autoimmune diseases, TikTok is the next “WebMD.”
Skepticism and trust
Many consumers are aware that this media consumption also brings risks. Three-quarters say they check influencers’ advice for accuracy. And 89 percent estimate that these influencers are likely to contribute to misinformation online. 36 percent are skeptical at all and do not trust influencers enough to pass on honest information about recommended brands.
Despite this skepticism and the fact that only 17 percent say they trust influencers more than doctors when it comes to health information, that doesn't stop many people from acting on influencers' recommendations. Although celebrities are the least trusted for medication advice, 51 percent of respondents say celebrity endorsements increase their intention to purchase a medication or supplement.
Source:
Press release
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