A new study conducted by the La Trobe University has raised alarm over the spread of contraceptive misinformation on TikTok.
The research warned it could lead to more unplanned pregnancies and rising STI rates across Australia.
Researchers analysed 100 TikTok videos on contraception, and only 10 per cent were made by qualified health professionals.
Here’s why TikTok’s birth control advice could put you at risk:
On Thursday afternoon’s episode of The Briefing, we sat down with public health expert Megan Bugden on what they uncovered in their research and the dangerous, life-changing consequences.
Bugden said it was quite concerning that most TikTok videos on contraception weren’t created by health professionals and lacked both reliability and quality.
She said many videos promoted hormone-free “natural” birth control methods without outlining limitations.
“What was bad was how videos failed to disclose potential limitations of this method which include things like motivation, partner cooperation, biological variabilities as well and importantly they were failing to say that often you do need a barrier method like a condom when you are using this method,” Bugden said.
“These videos in particular can mislead young people and have the risk of increasing both unplanned pregnancies and STIs which we know are increasing within Australia,” she added.
Bugden also highlighted the broader issue of online distrust in health professionals.
“We do know that for some individuals, platforms on social media like TikTok can be really validating for individuals to share the negative experiences that they may have had within health systems.”
Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on LiSTNR today. The Briefing serves up the latest news headlines and a deep dive into a topic affecting you. All in under 20 minutes.