Is the information about orthodontics on Youtube and TikTok reliable for the oral health of the public? A cross sectional comparative study

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare orthodontic videos uploaded to YouTube and TikTok, the two most popular video sharing platforms, and to determine which of these platforms has more reliable and higher quality videos.

Materials and method: YouTube (www.YouTube.com) and Tiktok (www.tiktok.com) was searched for two search-terms: "Orthodontics" and "Orthodontic Treatment". Reliability and quality of the first 120 videos for each search-term was evaluated by social media video content evaluation tools: Global Quality Score (GQS) and Reliability Score (modified DISCERN tool).

Results: While YouTube videos were more informative or sharing patient experiences, TikTok videos were almost purely entertainment oriented. Tiktok videos had lower reliability. YouTube videos were rated of higher quality than Tiktok videos. GQS mean values for Youtube and TikTok were 2.90 ± 1.35 and 2.23 ± 1.08 respectively; and reliability (DISCERN) values were 2.42 ± 1.70 and 1.27 ± 1.48 respectively. GQS median values for Youtube and TikTok were 3 and 2 respectively; and reliability (DISCERN) values were 2 and 1 respectively. Most of the uploaders in both platforms were professionals.

Conclusion: Neither YouTube videos nor Tiktok videos were found to be reliable or of good quality. Videos on YouTube were higher quality and more reliable than videos on TikTok. However, YouTube videos also contained unreliable information.

Keywords: Orthodontics; Public Health; Social Media; TikTok; YouTube.