#OCD: A Content Analysis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Stereotype Amplification and Misinformation on TikTok

Abstract

Misinformation regarding the symptoms and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has persisted for decades, influencing public perceptions and propagating misconceptions. Content posted on social media regarding mental health conditions, like OCD, impacts the health information ecosystem, as consumers can find it difficult to distinguish factual information from misleading generalizations. This study examines the quality of OCD-related content on TikTok, with a focus on the prevalence of misinformation and its potential impact on viewers. We analyzed the top videos tagged with #OCD, categorizing them into two groups: those directly discussing OCD and those portraying stereotypical behaviors associated with OCD without dialogue. Engagement metrics were analyzed using negative binomial regression to compare engagement levels within and between groups. Among videos discussing OCD, only 18 percent contained accurate information, while 29 percent were misleading, indicating a significant lack of reliable material on the platform. Additionally, health care providers were underrepresented among content creators, with most videos coming from nonprofessional sources. Analyses of stereotype-driven content revealed these videos were more frequently viewed, liked, and shared than videos that provided accurate information about OCD. This suggests that users are more engaged with content that reinforces stereotypes rather than educational content about the disorder. The study highlights the need for more evidence-based information on social media to counteract the stereotypes and misconceptions about OCD, leading to stigmatization and misunderstanding of the condition.