Stop following TikTok health trends!
As we (hopefully) leave Coronavirus in the rear-view mirror, we should (again, hopefully) be leaving behind harmful health fads and trends.
Let’s talk about TikTok health trends in particular, and why you absolutely should not be blindly following them.
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, TikTok is a global phenomenon. Hundreds of millions of people are captivated by viral challenges, funny videos and the latest trends. It’s a fun and engaging outlet for creativity and self-expression – but it’s also a minefield of dangerous information.
How it works
Do you often find that all your friends and colleagues are talking about the same online trends? With its powerful content discovery system, TikTok can quickly make little-known trends super popular.
Health trends on TikTok come from user posts, influencers and the platform's suggestions. These trends range from harmless challenges to risky diet and fitness routines, all driven by likes and virtual approval.
The bad news
TikTok is different from TV or news sites because it doesn't have a central authority overseeing everything. This makes it hard to control or check the information that people share. Since there aren't strict rules, false health information can spread quickly on the platform.
People who are famous on TikTok can strongly influence what becomes popular. This can make others copy health trends without really thinking about them. Followers might be so impressed by influencers that they ignore the possible health dangers of the trends they promote.
Then there’s peer pressure and fear of missing out (FOMO). TikTok's social nature often leads users to engage in trends out of fear of missing out or to conform to peer pressure. The desire for social acceptance can blind people to the potential dangers associated with trending health challenges.
It gets worse
Here are a few examples of harmful health trends that have circulated on TikTok:
ProAna diet trend (pro-anorexia): Some people on TikTok were encouraging really unhealthy ways to lose weight. They suggested extreme diets that would lead to serious health problems and even eating disorders.
One-meal-a-day challenge: This trend encouraged others to eat only one meal per day. While this is a popular diet, eating only one meal a day could harm your eating habits and leave you without the right nutrients, causing problems for both your body and mind.
Dry-scooping workout powder: A trend came up where users suggested eating workout powder without mixing it with water. Doing this can cause choking, dehydration and heart issues because the powder is so concentrated. It's not a safe or smart thing to try.
The extreme flexibility challenge: This one encouraged users to push their bodies beyond safe limits, leading to joint injuries and long-term health issues.
DIY “medical” remedies: TikTok has shared lots of health advice that hasn't been checked, including DIY medical treatments, which can be harmful to users. An example is the Benadryl challenge in 2020. People promoted taking an excess amount of Benadryl (an antihistamine and sedative) in order to induce hallucinations. This risky trend caused overdoses, seizures and even one reported death.
Salt-and-ice challenge: This trend involved placing salt on the skin and then pressing an ice cube against it, causing a burning sensation. The challenge was not only painful but also resulted in severe frostbite and skin damage, as the combination of salt and ice can lead to temperatures well below freezing.
Good to know
It’s great when social media offers opportunities for creativity and making connections. So, it’s important to recognise the potential dangers of trendy content that misses this mark. Be careful of these viral challenges and remember that the person on the other end of the screen is not a doctor or medical professional.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.