Narrative dynamics and algorithmic amplification of childhood vaccine misinformation on Brazilian TikTok
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Tifanny Horta Castro1, Jayara Nunes Barros1, Daniele Costa de Assis1
1Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Departamento de Enfermagem, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem. Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil.
Objective:
To analyze the narrative dynamics and amplification strategies of childhood vaccine misinformation in Brazilian TikTok videos.
Method:
Qualitative, exploratory, and documentary study conducted using public videos and comments posted on Brazilian TikTok between January and October 2025 containing anti-vaccine content related to childhood vaccination. Thirteen videos selected through a systematic search using predefined hashtags and keywords were analyzed. Engagement metrics included likes, comments, shares, and saves. The textual corpus was subjected to Descending Hierarchical Classification and Correspondence Factor Analysis using IRaMuTeQ software to identify narrative patterns, lexical associations, and discursive structures related to vaccine misinformation.
Results:
High engagement was observed, with predominance of narratives based on personal experiences and institutional distrust. Mean values per video were 1,815.36 likes, 810.36 comments, 558.29 shares, and 224.64 saves per video. Three narrative cores were identified: political-institutional, biomedical risk, and scientific-legitimizing. Correspondence Factor Analysis explained approximately 60% of the variance (32% in Factor 1; 28% in Factor 2). Amplification of discourses related to fear of adverse events, institutional discredit, and use of scientific language to support contradictory arguments was observed, with comments acting as spaces for social validation.
Conclusion:
Childhood vaccine misinformation on TikTok is sustained by emotional narratives and social validation mechanisms, reinforcing the need for evidence-based digital communication strategies to address vaccine hesitancy.
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