Researchers explored the stigmatization of sexually transmitted infections across film while also identifying inaccuracies in STI-related content on Tik Tok.
Regarding the exploration of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on the social media platform Tik Tok, a majority of the content included in the study consisted of inaccuracies and false medical information.1 Furthermore, exploring STI stigmatization in film, the diseases included in the study displayed relatively accurate information, but the frequency of death related to specific STIs was over exaggerated.2
“Studies have noted a significant shift in TikTok's role as a source of medical information. While some creators utilize the platform to disseminate scientifically supported content, others unintentionally or deliberately propagate misinformation. Thus, navigating the misinformation surrounding [STIs] becomes crucial for effective infection control,” wrote authors of a poster presented at IDWeek 2024.1
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Starting with STI information circulating on Tik Tok, researchers analyzed content that explored any one of the CDC’s 8 most common STIs: gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, trichomonas, HSV, and HPV. Content featuring medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies—as well as non-educational videos—were excluded from the study.
On a scale of 0 to 4—the higher the score the more inaccuracies identified—2 graders were tasked with assessing the accuracy of Tik Tok videos with over 10,000 likes after the year 2020. Researchers also found the Cohen's kappa score for each video, averaging that with video accuracy scores to yield an overall “Tik Tok” score.
Researchers included a total of 40 Tik Tok videos in the study, with an average of 7500 shares and 139,000 likes for each video. Overall, the average Tik Tok score was 1.325, leading authors of the study to suggest that “content was not free of inaccuracies,” despite the average score being closer to 0 (completely accurate) than to 4 (completely inaccurate).1 Further addressing Tik Tok’s STI-related inaccuracies, 65% of the videos consisted of at least 1 inaccuracy and 28% were determined to be mostly inaccurate.
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“The top 3 topics covered were STI transmission, symptoms, and treatment. Among these, 78% of treatment and 69% of transmission videos contained inaccurate information. Further, 44% of videos regarding STI treatment obtained a score of 4 indicating complete inaccuracy. The kappa coefficient was 0.555 indicating moderate agreement between graders,” continued the authors.1
According to the researchers, accessing educational medical information is just as easy as simply opening the Tik Tok application. With greater access to information, however, comes both increased odds of improving health but also of encountering misinformation. Researchers aimed to use the study data to inform the public on the precautions needed before accepting information from Tik Tok.
“Our study found that misinformation is common on Tik Tok, especially surrounding STI treatment and transmission. Misinformation can fuel stigmas on this sensitive topic, create barriers to those seeking proper care for STIs, and ultimately can lead to poor public health outcomes,” concluded the authors.1
Next, researchers moved from STI information on Tik Tok to common trends among popular feature films. “Considering the prevalence of STIs and the widespread consumption of media, health care providers must be cognizant of factors influencing societal perceptions of STIs. This study aims to analyze the representation and accuracy of STIs in popular narrative films,” they wrote.2
Using the Internet Movie Database, researchers identified full-length, English-language, narrative films featuring characters with confirmed or suspected STIs through a key word search. They also determined the accuracy of STI symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment portrayed in selected films.
A total of 128 characters from 77 films were included in the study, with HIV being the most commonly portrayed disease appearing in 55% of films. HIV was also most common in drama films (62%), while herpes simplex virus, gonorrhea, syphilis, pubic lice, chlamydia, and HPV were most commonly identified in comedy films (40%).2
Focusing on demographics of the 128 characters explored in the study, STIs were most common amongst adults (93%), non-Hispanic White individuals (78%), and men (75%). For the accuracy of STIs in film, symptoms were portrayed at an accuracy of 92%, transmission was at 89% accuracy, diagnosis at 84% accuracy, and treatment at 85% accuracy. Finally, 30% of characters died based on their STI complications, with HIV identified in 82% of character deaths.
“Films commonly represent accurate symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment of STIs. However, the frequency of death secondary to STIs is exaggerated and may contribute to STI stigmatization. Understanding the portrayal of STIs in popular films can provide valuable insights for clinicians, enabling them to address patient misconceptions and knowledge gaps,” concluded the authors.2
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