More than half of mental health TikTok videos contain false information, so here’s how to think critically about the content we consume

Scrolling online can be a blessing and a curse when it comes to learning more about mental health. With so much information available, on everything from clinically diagnosable conditions to TikTok trends, it can be tempting to dive into the ‘knowledge’ of the internet, but research, such as a 2024 paper in JMIR Infodemiology, tells us that while people are aware that mental health misinformation exists, we find it hard to spot.

The consequences of this can often do more harm than good. Although taken in the context of Covid-19, research published in the Journal of Public Health shows that health misinformation can lead to psychological disorders and induce panic, fear, depression, and fatigue.

Realistically, most of us will need to rely on the internet to investigate initial health concerns, but before you type into that Google search bar, here are some words of wisdom to help you find the facts you can trust.

Check the source location

Before you take any mental health information as gospel, counsellor Georgina Sturmer encourages you to check what location the content originates from. “For people in the UK, it’s useful to be aware that a lot of online mental health content stems from the USA, where they have an entirely different structure around mental health care and diagnosis.”

If someone from the UK, or generally outside the US, is relying on outside information to find a pathway for support, the information will be very different, resulting in unreliable advice for your circumstances.

Georgina says: “You can often spot the difference by looking for alternative spellings, any mention of ‘insurance providers’, or more US-centric words such as ‘physician’.”

Use trusted sites

Georgina also recommends prioritising trusted websites, as opposed to random blogs or social media accounts. “When we are talking about any aspect of health, whether it’s our physical or mental wellbeing, I would always signpost people to the NHS website, along with reputable mental health charities, such as Mind.”

It can also be helpful to look for websites affiliated with government organisations, established health organisations, or those with a strong focus on evidence-based research.

Critique creators

Chartered integrative counselling psychologist Dr Sarah Davis takes the curation process a step further, suggesting we investigate the credentials of online content creators.

“For clinically accurate information, check to see if the person is registered with a regulatory body,” she says. “Qualified psychotherapists and psychologists in the UK will be registered to a regulatory body, such as BACP or UKCP, and you can check these registers online.”

Normally, qualified professionals will be very transparent about what they are trained in, so if you get the sense that someone is being purposely vague or misleading, question the validity of their expertise.

In line with this, you might want to look at their motivation for posting their content – what does this creator seek to gain? Is it sponsored? Do they have a brand affiliation or another potential agenda? This isn’t about being distrustful, but about staying informed and aware of who’s shaping the message.

Question the research

While it’s important to look for research behind claims, the nature of the research itself needs to be simultaneously explored. Even in seemingly robust scientific studies, bias can be present in the planning, implementation, and analysis of trials, which means we must consider how bias could have influenced a study’s conclusions.

You can do this by reviewing the sample size – research is less accurate when studies conducted in a field are smaller. In addition, what is the date of the research? Where research evolves rapidly – such as in the area of health – older studies may not be the most reliable.

Evaluate the author’s credentials and any potential biases related to the subject, for example, if a nutrition study promoting a high-protein diet was funded by a company that sells protein supplements, the results might be influenced by commercial interests.

Trust your gut

When exploring mental health online, particularly within the realms of social media, it’s important for users to bear in mind the nature of social media; it is subjective and designed to draw users in.

“How did the content make you feel?” asks Dr Davis, signalling that misinformation often reels vulnerable users in with scare tactics – an approach that a trained professional would avoid.

If a post leaves you feeling panicked, ashamed, or pressured to act immediately, pause and reflect. Genuine mental health support should feel grounding, not alarming. Your emotional response is a powerful filter – if something feels off, it probably deserves a second look.