Exploring TikTok Mental Health Content in Current Literature: A Scoping Review (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND The rise of social media platforms has introduced novel avenues for individuals to express and share their experiences, including those related to mental health. Among these platforms, TikTok has emerged as a popular medium for content creation and dissemination. However, studies have revealed concerns regarding the accuracy and quality of content information alongside users’ tendency to self-diagnose mental health issues. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of the current literature exploring TikTok's mental health content. Specifically, we pursued 3 objectives: (1) identify TikTok mental health topics explored in current literature; (2) research methods employed; and (3) gaps and areas for further research. METHODS A systematic search of electronic databases involving SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science were conducted to identify relevant studies published within 2019-2023. Subsequently, a Google Scholar search was conducted as a secondary database to identify relevant additional studies. This review was guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework for scoping review. Results were reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). RESULTS Out of 7,919 articles, 18 were included in this review consisting of 16 primary studies, 1 systematic review study, and 1 preliminary study. Most of the studies identified from database search were excluded as they did not explore mental health content on TikTok. Topics explored in reviewed studies were mainly general mental health content (n=5), followed by eating disorders (n=3), dementia (n=2), anxiety (n=2), and ADHD (n=2). Some studies explored specific topics such psychiatric hospitalization experiences (n=1), substance abuse (n=1), autism (n=1), and common mental illnesses (n=1). 17 studies were cross-sectional except for 1 that conducted an intervention study. Common research design used was content analysis (n=9) followed by thematic analysis (n=3). Other designs identified were discourse analysis (n=1), online ethnography (n=1), within-subject field experiment (n=1), semi-structured interview (n=1), and survey (n=1). CONCLUSIONS It is evident that there remains a notable gap in comprehensive research in this burgeoning field. The limited number of identified studies underscores the need for further exploration and investigation. Critical aspects, such as the long-term effects of exposure to mental health content on TikTok, the platform's role in shaping attitudes toward mental health and its treatment, and the diversity of perspectives within the user community warrant further exploration.