A content analysis of direct-to-consumer DNA testing on TikTok

Abstract

Despite the fact that the internet is a popular source of health information, limited research has been conducted on the ways in which direct-to-consumer (DTC) DNA testing has been discussed by consumers on the internet, and on social media platforms specifically. The purpose of this study was to describe the content of 100 videos that addressed DTC DNA testing on TikTok, a video-sharing social network. The 100 videos included had a combined 77,498 comments and 9,680,309 likes.The majority (> 50%) of videos reviewed mentioned using DTC DNA testing kits to find family roots (94%), included information on commercial DNA testing kits (67%), and featured a person taking or talking about taking a DNA test (92%). These videos also received a majority of the total comments/likes. Neither the use of music (p = .06 and p = .07) nor the mention of using DNA testing to locate family (p = .08 and p = .09) had a significant effect on a video's comments or likes, respectively. Genetic counselors, health care providers, and public health professionals should be aware that there is a need to present both benefits and disadvantages of DTC DNA testing on social media platforms. A greater presence of comprehensive information on social media platforms can increase the likelihood that one makes erudite decisions.

Keywords: Direct-to-consumer genetic testing; Social media; TikTok.