A study has shown that watching certain videos on Tik Tok may increase the risk of eating disorders in women.
The researchers warn that the platform will have to include controls that can protect users from harmful consequences.
For the study, researchers asked 273 female TikTok users between the ages of 18 and 28 to fill out questionnaires about eating behavior problems, along with body satisfaction and beauty standards.
The majority of women were from Australia and 71 percent of them said they spend up to two hours a day on TikTok.
A group of 126 women were shown videos about problematic eating habits (such as a young woman giving advice on reducing food consumption to lose weight). While the other group was shown comedy, nature and other types of videos.
After watching Tik Tok for seven to eight minutes, both groups were asked to fill out surveys again on body image and beauty standards.
The study, published in the journal Plos One, found that problematic content significantly reduced body satisfaction in the first group and increased their appearance ideals.
