- Experts warn that generative AI-based medical misinformation on TikTok is becoming a major threat to public health safety.
- The British Medical Association (BMA) has called on TikTok to step up efforts to block AI accounts spreading medical myths and promoting unscientific “miracle cures.”
- Research by Hallam shows that 40% of popular health videos on TikTok utilize AI or are AI-generated.
- For the keyword “health tips,” up to 84% of videos were identified as AI-generated or AI-assisted.
- Most of this content is posted by deepfake accounts mimicking the images and voices of real doctors to build trust with viewers.
- The most popular AI health videos reach an average of approximately 2.5 million views each.
- Some “AI doctors” spread misconceptions already debunked by Cancer Research UK, such as heating food in plastic containers, using deodorants, or sleeping near phones causing cancer.
- Certain accounts even promote unscientific measures like using Coca-Cola mixed with onions for pain relief or introducing fake anti-aging products like “Hyalethinap Plus Pro Max,” for which no evidence of existence can be found.
- NHS England reports that an increasing number of patients are confused by misleading medical advice created solely to attract views.
- Hallam analyzed 1,198 videos, selecting the 50 most popular ones from keywords like “health tips” and “doctor advice,” while also expanding into content affecting finance and education.
- A Healthwatch England survey of 7,407 adults in the UK shows that about 20% of people use social media to search for health information.
- TikTok refuted the research results, asserting that the platform is removing harmful medical content, collaborating with the WHO and NHS to provide reliable information, and investing in AI labeling technology and AI literacy.
📌 The report reflects the rapid rise of fake “AI doctors” on TikTok and the risk of medical misinformation reaching millions. Data shows that 40% of popular health videos feature AI elements, with the keyword “health tips” reaching 84%. With an average of 2.5 million views per AI video and about 20% of the UK population seeking health information on social media, experts fear that generative AI is being exploited to commercialize trust and spread dangerous medical advice.
