#SocialMediaRisks

A new wave of wellness trends is sweeping through teenage circles, with young people embracing “crunchy teen” eating habits that claim to promote optimal health—but health experts warn these well-intended choices may do more harm than good. A report by a family medicine practitioner at Kaiser Permanente in Fairfax, Virginia, highlights how this social-media-driven movement toward natural, restrictive, and sometimes extreme diets is fueling dangerous misconceptions about food, body image, and medicine itself. For Thai parents and educators, this exposé offers an urgent lens through which to examine how global wellness trends interact with local youth culture and health risks.

The viral popularity of mental health content on TikTok has led to a surge in misleading advice and misconceptions, with new research highlighted by The Guardian revealing that misinformation ranges from trivializing serious conditions to promoting unproven treatments. Experts warn that this trend not only stokes confusion but also risks worsening stigma and driving unsafe self-diagnosis—an especially troubling development for young Thais heavily active on the platform.

Mental health issues have become a frontline concern in Thai society, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic intensified stress and isolation among youth and working adults. With TikTok ranking among the most downloaded apps in Thailand and millions of Thai users turning to the platform for support and information, the spread of health misinformation is a pressing national challenge. According to Mental Health Department statistics, Thailand saw significant increases in reported cases of depression and anxiety since 2020, and digital platforms are now a primary health resource for many young adults (Bangkok Post).