TikTok as an Information Source: Content Analysis of the Accuracy of Information in Breastfeeding- Related Videos
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Advisor
Lauren Dinour
Access Type
Event
Start Date
26-4-2024 9:45 AM
End Date
26-4-2024 10:44 AM
Description
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 serves as an investigation of the accuracy of information in TikTok videos related to breastfeeding, and whether differences exist between accuracy of videos and narrator identification, skin color, and gender. This study also aims to investigate the relationship between 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, gender, skin color, and accuracy. A novel coding instrument was created to determine video accuracy using evidenced based information from websites such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and La Leche League. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the averages and frequencies for variables. Videos related to the search “how to increase breastmilk supply” received the most engagement, however, received the lowest accuracy score of 74%. Majority of videos across all searches were presented as women with light skin tones. These findings underscore the necessity for credible organizations to provide evidence-based breastfeeding information on social media platforms, advocating for accurate content dissemination and informed decision-making among expectant mothers.
TikTok as an Information Source: Content Analysis of the Accuracy of Information in Breastfeeding- Related Videos
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 serves as an investigation of the accuracy of information in TikTok videos related to breastfeeding, and whether differences exist between accuracy of videos and narrator identification, skin color, and gender. This study also aims to investigate the relationship between 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, gender, skin color, and accuracy. A novel coding instrument was created to determine video accuracy using evidenced based information from websites such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and La Leche League. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the averages and frequencies for variables. Videos related to the search “how to increase breastmilk supply” received the most engagement, however, received the lowest accuracy score of 74%. Majority of videos across all searches were presented as women with light skin tones. These findings underscore the necessity for credible organizations to provide evidence-based breastfeeding information on social media platforms, advocating for accurate content dissemination and informed decision-making among expectant mothers.