- Until now TikTok accumulates one billion active users around the world.
- The lack of regulation has caused videos that offer advice that threaten health to be common.
- An investigation identified more than a hundred videos on ways to terminate a pregnancy using high-risk techniques that lack scientific support.
The power of social networks is increasing. It is no longer a minority medium but is used by millions of people around the world. Among the current options, the one showing the greatest growth is TikTok though is now in the midst of a new controversy related to several abortion videos.
One of the most surprising aspects of this mobile application created in China is the addiction it generates in users. It emerged as an option for create and edit short videos although it has gradually incorporated other functions.
Although only five years have passed since it was launched, According to Statista, it has already managed to reach the figure of one billion active users around the planet. No other had achieved that figure in such a short period of time.
Now, one of his biggest problems is that there is no real regulation regarding the type of content that can be created. When opening an account, it is indicated that videos that promote violence should not be published, although it is a rather ambiguous term.
Regarding this issue, the NewsGuard published an article in which he denounces something quite serious. After reviewing this social network, it was identified that TikTok allows the posting of videos promoting home abortions.
After conducting an investigation it was found that there are several users who have created videos that they offer “advice” to interrupt a pregnancy, albeit using high-risk techniques.
What is mentioned is that until July 19, 2022 there were at least 102 videos focused on the consumption of teas and herbs for the interruption of pregnancy. Clearly, this option does not have the endorsement of health professionals because it lacks scientific evidence.
The most serious thing is that among all accumulate 18.1 million views and 3.3 million likes. Therefore, it means that there is a fairly large number of people who see them and can follow the indications that they mention.
Similarly, it is also accused that there are others of the same type and danger. Specifically, there is one titled “Foods that can cause a miscarriage!” and mentions fruits like papaya. In this case, the content is based on fake news and the only thing it achieves is to deceive users
Based on all of the above, one of the conclusions of the research is that TikTok is aware of these types of videos promoting dangerous forms of abortion and has not taken action to remove them.
While this discussion appears at a time of crisis in the United States. Since the elimination of the federal right to abortion that women in that nation had, multiple demonstrations have been held.