Tiktok Fuels Misinformation on Sunscreen Use, Experts Warn

WHO:

The Washington Post - Researchers studying misinformation on TikTok.

WHAT:

The Washington Post - A small number of videos promoting misinformation about sunscreen received a disproportionately high share of likes, shares, and comments on TikTok.

The Washington Post - Skepticism of sunscreen is described as relatively rare on TikTok.

WHERE:

The Washington Post - TikTok, a social media platform where the misinformation is spreading.

WHEN:

The Washington Post - A new study was published on a Thursday.

WHY:

The Washington Post - Anti-sunscreen views resonate strongly with some users on TikTok.

HOW:

The Washington Post - The study indicates that the engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments) suggest a significant impact of the misinformation.

(UPDATED June 20, 2026 17:23 UTC)

Researchers studying misinformation on TikTok have found that a small number of videos promoting anti-sunscreen views received an unexpectedly high level of engagement, including likes, shares, and comments. Despite skepticism about sunscreen being relatively rare on the platform, these anti-sunscreen sentiments resonate strongly with some users. The study highlights the significant impact of this misinformation, as indicated by the engagement metrics.