ArticleJMIR formative research2022
Deconstructing TikTok Videos on Mental Health: Cross-sectional, Descriptive Content Analysis.
Article in JMIR formative research, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 38 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.
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Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
38 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it, 103 citations in OpenAlex.
- Scrolling through adolescence: a systematic review of the impact of TikTok on adolescent mental health.European child & adolescent psychiatry · 2025Pooled it
- What methods are used to examine representation of mental ill-health on social media? A systematic review.BMC psychology · 2024Pooled it
- Viral but Not Verified: Analyzing Accuracy and Engagement in TikTok Discussions of IUDs.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Why People Conceal Mental Health Problems: Qualitative Analysis of TikTok Posts.Journal of medical Internet research · 2026Article
- Quality of information about potentially malignant oral disorders on TikTok: a cross-sectional analysis in the context of social media.BMC oral health · 2026Article
- Health Communication Patterns in Breast Implant Illness Content on TikTok: A DISCERN-based Analysis by Creator Type.Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open · 2026Article
- Portrayals of Depression on TikTok: Content Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy, Creator Type, and Stylistic Features.JMIR infodemiology · 2026Article
- The Siren's call: How social media influencers are using identity leadership to shape diagnostic label identification and self-care intentions.The British journal of social psychology · 2026Article
- Article
- Engagement Patterns With #NaturalRemedies on TikTok: Formative Analysis.JMIR formative research · 2026Article
- Insufficient Quality of Mental Health Information on German-Speaking TikTok: A Content Analysis.Clinical psychology in Europe · 2026Article
- Problematic mental health-related advice: exploring the role and limitations of EU's digital toolbox on the case of #TherapyTok.Frontiers in public health · 2026Article
- The algorithmic epistemic inversion in gastroenterology: how social media and psychological vulnerability fuel secondary risks in IBD and IBS management.Frontiers in public health · 2026Article
- Machine learning prediction models for the popularization and dissemination of medical science popularization videos.Frontiers in public health · 2026Article
- Understanding the impact of misinformation on adolescents.Nature human behaviour · 2026Review
- The relationship between uploader identity and the quality and reliability of depression-related Chinese short videos on TikTok and Bilibili.Frontiers in digital health · 2026Article
- Potential impact of social media and COVID-19 restrictions on adult attention-deficit rates.BJPsych bulletin · 2025Article
- Disrupting the Algorithm: The Role of Medical Professionals in TikTok's Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Conversations.Cureus · 2025Article
- Dissemination of Information on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors on TikTok: Analytical Mixed Methods Study of Creator Types, Content Tone, and User Engagement.JMIR mental health · 2025Article
- Healthy futures online: A rights-based perspective on digital health literacy for children and youth.PLOS digital health · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
4 authors at 3 institutions in 2 countries.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundSocial media platforms that are based on the creation of visual media, such as TikTok, are increasingly popular with adolescents. Online social media networks provide valuable opportunities to connect with each other to share experiences and strategies for health and wellness.
objectiveThe aim of this study was to describe the content of the hashtag #mentalhealth on TikTok.
methodsThis cross-sectional, descriptive content analysis study included 100 videos with the hashtag #mentalhealth on TikTok. All videos that included the hashtag #mentalhealth were analyzed and coded for the presence of content categories. Additionally, the comments to each video were viewed and coded for content in the following themes: offering support or validation; mentioning experience with suicide or suicidal ideation; mentioning experience with self-harm; describing an experience with hospitalization for mental health issues; describing other mental health issues; and sharing coping strategies, experiences of healing, or ways to feel better.
resultsCollectively, the 100 videos studied received 1,354,100,000 views; 266,900,000 likes; and 2,515,954 comments. On average, each video received 13,406,930.69 (SD 8,728,095.52) views; 2,657,425.74 (SD 1,449,920.45) likes; and 24,910.44 (SD 21,035.06) comments. The only content category observed in most (51/100, 51%) of the videos included in the sample was "general mental health." The remaining content categories appeared in less than 50% of the sample. In total, 32% (32/100) of the videos sampled received more than the overall average number of likes (ie, more that 2.67 million likes). Among these 32 videos, 23 (72%) included comments offering support or validation and 20 (62%) included comments that described other mental health issues or struggles.
conclusionsWith over 1 billion cumulative views, almost half of the assessed TikTok videos included in this study reported or expressed symptoms of mental distress. Future research should focus on the potential role of intervention by health care professionals on social media.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.