[Influencer or sickfluencer? Recovery and stigma on tiktok - A content analysis].

Abstract

Social media such as TikTok are gaining in popularity, but are subject to criticism. They offer opportunities but also risks for people with a mental illness. The question arises as to what content can be found in Germany and to what extent the topic of mental health is addressed on TikTok and what reactions follow.Three samples are collected over the course of a year. Videos, comments and descriptive data are analyzed on the basis of an evaluation catalog.There is a high level of use by people with a mental illness, with the diagnosis of anorexia predominating. Both the video content shown and the comments are largely positive. However, descriptive data shows an interest in problematic content.Social media can be used as a low-threshold offer of help. On platforms such as TikTok, experts can provide information and thus enable access to evidence-based knowledge.