Sunscreen is a popular topic on TikTok, where influencers and users regularly share skincare advice.
According to a new study published in PLOS Digital Health, the vast majority of the platform’s most-viewed sunscreen-related videos encouraged the use of sunscreen.
Researchers analyzed nearly 1,000 popular videos posted under the largest sunscreen-related hashtags.
The results showed that approximately 87 percent of the videos spoke positively about sunscreen.
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Health rarely mentioned
Although many videos recommended sunscreen, the focus was often on appearance and skincare rather than health.
The researchers found that only about six percent of the videos directly mentioned that sunscreen can help reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Yet this is one of the primary reasons why health authorities recommend using sunscreen.
According to the researchers, sunscreen is therefore often presented as a beauty product rather than a tool for protecting health.
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Attention and engagement
Critical videos made up only a small share of the content.
Around six percent of the videos were critical of sunscreen, while an even smaller number claimed that the product could be harmful or unnecessary.
However, when the researchers examined user behavior, a different picture emerged.
The critical videos received proportionally more likes, comments, and shares than videos promoting sunscreen.
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The study therefore concludes that misinformation about sunscreen does not occupy a large space on TikTok, but it is more successful at attracting attention and generating engagement among users.
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