A recent review of TikTok’s most-wollowed mental health advice videos reveals that more than half contain misinformation. This finding raises concerns for healthcare professionals and policymakers about how social media shapes health behaviors worldwide, including in Thailand.
The analysis examined 100 top-trending mental health clips on TikTok. It found that 52 videos included misinformation, often offering dubious quick fixes, misusing psychological terms, or lacking scientific backing. With millions turning to TikTok for health information—and a particularly young user base in Thailand—the study underscores the need for better digital health literacy and responsible platform governance.
Why this matters for Thailand. Thailand has a large and growing youth population actively engaging with social media. Anxiety, depression, and suicide rates among young people are rising in many communities, making reliable digital mental health information crucial. Misleading content can delay professional care, distort understanding, and increase stigma. In Thai society, where mental health stigma persists and psychiatric resources are stretched, accurate information is essential, especially in rural areas where access to care is limited.
Key patterns of misinformation identified include four main themes:
- Pathologizing normal emotions. Some videos interpret everyday stress or transient mood changes as serious disorders, which can lead to unnecessary self-diagnosis and anxiety.
- Misusing therapeutic language. Clips sometimes confuse diagnoses or use dramatic terms to describe ordinary experiences, fueling misunderstanding and stigmatization.
- Unfounded treatments and claims. Several clips promise quick cures or miracle methods—ranging from certain writing exercises to dietary changes or supplements—despite lacking rigorous evidence, potentially deterring people from seeking proper care.
- Anecdotal over generalizable evidence. Personal stories are shared as universal solutions, which can mislead viewers about the complexities of mental health treatment and hospitalization.
Experts emphasize that misrepresenting mental illness can erode trust in real care and hinder help-seeking. A prominent neuropsychiatrist and a psychologist, both consulted for broader research, warn that overreliance on simplified tips may create false assurances and increase distress among viewers.
Globally and in Thailand, digital platforms are now central to how young people learn about mental health. Local psychologists note Thai youths often view TikTok as a primary information source, which heightens the impact of both supportive content and harmful myths. A 2025 systematic review drawing from more than 26 studies and 11,000 participants shows that problematic engagement with TikTok is common among youth, particularly among women and those from lower-income backgrounds. Even short exposure can modestly raise depression and anxiety scores, especially in vulnerable individuals. The addictive pull of personalized feeds can lead to time distortion, sleep disruption, and poorer academic performance.
In Thailand, education officials and public health advocates report rising concerns about excessive screen time undermining well-being and school achievement. While digital platforms can offer peer support and reduce stigma, they also pose risks when information is not accurately framed or guided by professionals.
What can be done? Strengthening digital health literacy is essential. Thailand should integrate digital media education into schools and public health messaging, helping students and families critically evaluate online health information. Countries are already adopting measures such as screen-time awareness and educational campaigns to manage online health content.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders have a critical role in guiding youths’ online behavior. Encouraging open conversations about mental health and digital life can counteract stigma and promote healthier habits. Health professionals in Bangkok and across provinces stress that social support remains a key protective factor against deterioration.
Policymakers and technology companies must collaborate to curb harmful content. This includes expanding local language educational resources, improving reporting tools for dangerous posts, and providing clearer pathways to trusted mental health services, such as national helplines and local hospital counseling units. Thailand’s Department of Mental Health can play a pivotal role in coordinating these efforts.
Historical and cultural context matters. Thailand’s ongoing battle with stigma and misinformation is not new. Urbanization, academic pressures, and high digital access create both resilience and vulnerability among youths. The rapid speed and emotional power of platforms like TikTok amplify content and shape social comparisons in a competitive educational environment.
Looking ahead, researchers call for more longitudinal studies to untangle cause and effect. Early findings suggest a two-way dynamic: vulnerable youths might seek out online communities, while exposure to misleading content can worsen distress. Culturally informed interventions are needed to break this cycle.
Practical takeaways for Thai readers:
- Prioritize consulting licensed Thai mental health professionals or national helplines before acting on online advice.
- Use TikTok’s built-in settings to limit exposure and consider regular digital breaks.
- Foster open family discussions about mental health and online life.
- Seek information from reputable local resources and trusted health authorities.
- Support policies and programs that strengthen digital literacy and access to professional care.
Authorities, educators, and technology firms should work together to build a healthier digital ecosystem. This includes scaling digital literacy programs, expanding mental health services nationwide, and establishing clear standards for online health information in Thai. The aim is not to shun technology but to ensure Thailand’s digital future is safe, informed, and supportive for all.
Notes on sources and context:
- Research and commentary indicate widespread misinformation and concerns about mental health content on TikTok.
- Local Thai data highlight rising youth mental health needs and the social consequences of digital media use.
- Public health guidance emphasizes that credible information and professional support are essential, particularly for adolescents and young adults.