Dozens of TikTok accounts have been found to be stealing genuine physicians' photographs to peddle supplements and dubious health claims, taking advantage of the platform's widespread reach. This disturbing tendency, known as 'cyberchondria,' entails consumers believing in chronic symptoms even after seeking medical attention, depending on internet information rather than professionals.
The stolen identities often include young female medical personnel in scrubs or with stethoscopes, claiming to give insider knowledge obtained after being fired from hospitals. The content effortlessly merges generic health suggestions and supplement pitches, with a purchase link in the bio. As long as the accounts do not make explicit promises of prevention or treatment, they are within the platform's guidelines.
TikTok's involvement in popularizing online products has propelled the supplement business, bringing products like berberine, chlorophyll water, and green powders to prominence despite a lack of scientific backing. Policing content on TikTok is difficult, with flagged posts reverting to "no violation" within 30 minutes. While TikTok claims to have strict supplement regulations, the responsibility for combating misinformation falls primarily on users and healthcare professionals.
The Federal Trade Commission, which oversees social media advertising, is struggling to keep up with influencers' growing power. Despite the FDA's role in enforcing correct supplement labelling, social media advertising is mostly unregulated. Legal action against identity theft on TikTok is unlikely to prevail, leaving therapists and victims with few or no damages.
Healthcare workers, such as ER nurse Malinda Weekly, had their identities used without authorization to promote questionable supplements. This conduct not only harms their reputations, but it also endangers public health because supplements may include unapproved or hazardous ingredients. TikTok's spokesman confirms that the company checks material and strictly maintains supplement standards, asking vendors to submit verification before listing products. However, the efficiency of these methods remains debatable.
While TikTok is a powerful influencer network, the increase in identity theft raises questions about the platform's ability to protect users and control the marketing of potentially dangerous products. The lack of timely and effective action against such acts necessitates enhanced vigilance and awareness among both users and regulatory bodies.
(Inputs from various sources.)
(Rehash/Susmita Bhandary/MSM)
