Study Finds 971 TikToks Expose Gen Z to Sunscreen Myths as False Posts Draw More Engagement
Updated
Updated · eMarketer · Jun 24
Study Finds 971 TikToks Expose Gen Z to Sunscreen Myths as False Posts Draw More Engagement
2 articles · Updated · eMarketer · Jun 24
Summary
University of Alberta researchers found sunscreen misinformation was uncommon among 971 top-viewed TikToks, but misleading videos drew more likes, shares and comments than accurate sun-safety posts.
Gen Z faces the highest exposure because TikTok ranks as its top social platform for health information, while 36% say influencers are their main source of skincare advice.
One-third of Gen Z respondents earned a D or F on sun-safety knowledge in an American Academy of Dermatology survey, with gaps including beliefs that tans are harmless and limited awareness that sunscreen helps prevent premature aging.
Clinicians appeared in just 8% of the TikTok videos studied, even as one dermatologist told NBC News that 95% of misleading sun-safety information originates on social media.
With summer starting, the findings point brands and dermatologists toward more on-camera, myth-debunking TikTok content focused on immediate benefits such as avoiding sunburn and clearer skin.