Investigating TikTok Trends in Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: A Comprehensive Descriptive Analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Medical Informatics
• Digital Health Communication

Background:

• Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is gaining attention for neurological condition treatment.
• Social media platforms like TikTok significantly influence public perception of tDCS.
• Analyzing non-peer-reviewed TikTok content is crucial for audience understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess the reliability, accuracy, and quality of consumer health information on TikTok regarding tDCS.
• Evaluate the overall quality of tDCS-related videos on TikTok.

Main Methods:

• Searched TikTok for 'transcranial direct current stimulation' and 'tDCS' from June 10-30, 2024.
• Analyzed 53 videos using JAMA benchmark criteria, DISCERN, global quality score, and PEMAT.
• Included videos averaged approximately 40,000 views.

Main Results:

• Most videos, uploaded by private users, lacked reliability and accuracy per JAMA benchmark.
• DISCERN classified most videos as very poor or poor quality.
• Videos offered minimal useful information but had moderate to high understandability with low actionability.

Conclusions:

• TikTok videos on tDCS generally exhibit low accuracy, reliability, and overall quality.
• The understandability and actionability of tDCS information for viewers on TikTok are limited.