Swipe, Scroll, Diagnose: A Critical Look at Anxiety and Depression Discourse on TikTok

Abstract

An estimated 581 million people worldwide live with anxiety or depressive disorders, with onset typically occurring between the ages of 17 and 29, an age group that aligns closely with TikTok's core user demographic. As discussions of mental health increasingly unfold on social media platforms, it is important to understand the nature and quality of these conversations. This study explored the question: How are anxiety and depression represented on TikTok, and what is the quality of the information shared? A total of 100 TikTok videos were sampled, 50 using #anxiety (or related derivatives) and 50 using #depression (or related derivatives). A multimodal thematic analysis was conducted to capture textual, visual, and auditory elements. A subset of videos mentioning specific disorders was assessed using three quality assessment tools: DISCERN, the JAMA benchmarks, and the Global Quality Score. Key themes identified in the anxiety sample included: signs & symptoms, depictions of anxiety, diagnosis, relief strategies, and supportive messaging. For the depression sample, themes included: signs & symptoms, depictions of depression, management strategies, and supportive messaging. The findings reveal that TikTok is being used as an informal source of mental health information and peer support. However, the quality of this information varies, and it often lacks the depth and reliability required for accurate health literacy. This study highlights the platform's dual role as both a space for community support and a potential source of misinformation. It underscores the need for public health stakeholders to engage with digital platforms and promote evidence-based mental health content to better support young users as they seek information and make sense of mental health topics online.