Date of Award
5-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
College/School
College for Community Health
Department/Program
Nutrition and Food Studies
Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair
Lauren M. Dinour
Committee Member
Doreen Liou
Committee Member
Melanie Shefchik
Abstract
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the best nutrition for infants, yet its rates remain below recommended levels due to various factors. One such factor is the dissemination of misleading information, often from online sources like social media. This study investigates the accuracy of information in TikTok videos related to breastfeeding and whether differences exist between the accuracy of videos and narrator identification, skin color, and gender. This study also aims to investigate the relationship between the accuracy and popularity of videos based on the number of views, likes, comments, and shares. A content analysis was used to code the most relevant (n=79) TikTok videos from three search phrases (benefits of breastfeeding, how to increase breastmilk supply, and how to know baby is getting enough breastmilk) for five variables: account type, narrator identification, narrator gender, narrator skin color, and video content accuracy. A coding instrument was created to determine video accuracy using evidence-based information from websites like the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and La Leche League. Most video narrators across all searches were presented as women with light skin tones. Based on the coding instrument, TikTok videos related to breastfeeding were not wholly accurate (x̄= 85%, SD=30%). Videos related to the search “ways to increase breastmilk supply” received the lowest accuracy score of 72%, however had the greatest number of views, likes, comments, and shares. The most accurate search query was “How to know if my baby is getting enough milk (x̄ = 100%, SD = 0%). Account type, narrator identification, and representation were not predictors for views. However, the search query was a predictor for video accuracy. To conclude, TikTok is somewhat of a reliable source for breastfeeding information.
File Format
Recommended Citation
Jack, Brianna, "The Accuracy of Videos Related to Breastfeeding on TikTok: A Content Snalysis" (2024). Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects. 1427.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/etd/1427