Doc’s Dilemma: TikToks that Drive MDs Crazy!
As the TikTok phenomenon continues to take over the world, it’s not surprising that doctors are starting to feel the impact of the popular social media platform. While TikTok has provided a new form of entertainment for people across the globe, it has become a source of frustration for many medical professionals. Indeed, there are some TikToks that drive MDs crazy!
In this article, we’ll dive into the various ways medical professionals are being affected by TikTok, and the reasons why doctors are getting increasingly frustrated with the popular social media platform. From misinformation to challenges, we’ll take a look at how TikTok is impacting the medical field and the individuals working within it.
The Rise of Medical Misinformation on TikTok
One of the major concerns for doctors on TikTok is the rise of medical misinformation. With anyone able to post content on the platform, there is no requirement for the accuracy of the information that is being shared. This has led to a proliferation of videos that contain inaccurate information about illnesses, medical procedures, and medications.
Notably, this issue has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With so much unknown and constantly changing information about the virus, many people have turned to social media platforms like TikTok for answers. Unfortunately, not all the answers they find are reliable or accurate.
TikTok Challenges: Dangerous and Irritating
Another trend on TikTok that has been causing frustration for many MDs is the rise of dangerous challenges. From the “Milk Crate Challenge” to the “Benadryl Challenge,” users are engaging in potentially harmful activities just for the sake of making a viral video.
While these challenges may seem harmless enough, they can have serious repercussions. Not only can they lead to physical harm to those participating, but they can also encourage others to try the same thing, causing a domino effect of dangerous behavior.
The Ethics of Sharing Medical Information on TikTok
Another issue that many doctors have with TikTok is the ethics of sharing medical information on the platform. While some professionals are using the platform as a way to share helpful information with their patients and social media followers, others are using it to promote their own practices or make a name for themselves.
This has led to a situation where medical professionals are using TikTok to promote misleading or inaccurate information, raising serious concerns about the ethics of sharing such content in a public forum.
Finding A Balance Between Entertainment and Education
It’s clear that doctors are facing a difficult balancing act when it comes to TikTok. On the one hand, they want to ensure that accurate medical information is being shared with the public. On the other hand, they acknowledge that platforms like TikTok can be an effective way to reach a wider audience and engage with people in a new and exciting way.
So, what is the solution? How can doctors find a way to share accurate information without getting lost in the sea of content being posted on TikTok every day? According to some medical professionals, the answer lies in finding a balance between entertainment and education.
By creating content that is both informative and entertaining, medical professionals can engage with their audience while still ensuring that the information they are sharing is accurate and reliable.
How MDs Can Use TikTok to Their Advantage
Despite the challenges that TikTok presents for medical professionals, many MDs are finding creative ways to use the platform to their advantage. By using hashtags and engaging with followers, they can build a following that is interested in their work and message.
For example, Dr. Mona Amin, a pediatrician who shares health and wellness tips on TikTok, has amassed a following of over 160,000 people. By creating short, informative videos that appeal to a wider audience, she has found a way to use the platform to educate people about important health topics and build a community of engaged followers.
The Bottom Line
TikTok may be driving MDs crazy with its dangerous challenges and medical misinformation, but that doesn’t mean that medical professionals should ignore it altogether. By finding a balance between entertainment and education, they can use the platform to their advantage and reach a wider audience with their message.
Ultimately, TikTok isn’t going anywhere, and it’s up to medical professionals to find ways to use the platform in a positive and productive way. By doing so, they can ensure that accurate information is being shared and that people are receiving the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.
A Table on Some of the Top Medical TikTokers
Name | Specialty | Followers |
---|---|---|
Dr. Mona Amin | Pediatrician | 160,000 |
Dr. Rose Marie Leslie | Internal Medicine Physcian | 788,000 |
Dr. Austin Chiang | Gastroenterologist | 332,000 |
Dr. Daniel Griffin | Infectious Disease Specialist | 160,000 |
Dr. Tom Frieden | Public Health Commentator | 65,000 |
Some TikToks that have Confused and Frustrated MDs
1. “I tried the TikTok trend where you put a garlic clove in your ear, and it actually works!”
This trend caused concern among dermatologists, as placing garlic in your ear could lead to irritation or even burns if the garlic was too large, too potent, or too fragrant.
2. “Taking Benadryl to induce a high: it’s safe and easy!”
This challenge has caused significant concern among medical professionals, as taking excessive amounts of Benadryl can lead to dangerous side effects such as seizures, coma, and even death.
3. “Raw egg whites can cure a hangover!”
This myth is based on the belief that the protein in egg whites can help soothe an upset stomach. However, eating raw egg whites can increase your risk of salmonella poisoning, which can lead to serious illness.
References
- “Doctors say viral TikTok trend of putting garlic in your ear is dangerous.” CBS News. (2021). Accessed June 18, 2022.
- “Benadryl Challenge: FDA issues warning over dangerous TikTok trend.” Fox News. (2021). Accessed June 18, 2022.
- “The dangers of eating raw eggs.” Healthline. (2022). Accessed June 18, 2022.