ON
← Back to feed
Scams about sunscreens become more viral on TikTok than scientific information about their benefits
Spain🎭 Culture19 days ago

Scams about sunscreens become more viral on TikTok than scientific information about their benefits

The article discusses the spread of misinformation about sunscreen on TikTok, highlighting how false or misleading content related to sun protection gains more attention than scientifically accurate information. According to data from Spain’s Fundación Piel Sana, 94.8% of young people have encountered false claims about the sun, skin, or skin cancer. A study by the University of Alberta analyzed 971 popular TikTok videos using five common hashtags related to sunscreen. The research found that while most videos promoted sunscreen use, only 6% included health-related criticisms. Despite this small proportion, these critical videos generated significantly higher engagement metrics such as likes, shares, and comments. Researchers attribute this trend to the viral potential of provocative or controversial content. They note that much of the TikTok content focuses on cosmetic benefits and product promotion rather than the health benefit of reducing skin cancer risk. The study identifies two main types of misinformation: one claiming sunscreen prevents the benefits of sunlight, and another suggesting sunscreen causes harm.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

3 reports

elDiario.es logoelDiario.esIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8019 days ago
Scams about sunscreens become more viral on TikTok than scientific information about their benefits

The article discusses the spread of misinformation about sunscreen on TikTok, highlighting how false or misleading content related to sun protection gains more attention than scientifically accurate information. According to data from Spain’s Fundación Piel Sana, 94.8% of young people have encountered false claims about the sun, skin, or skin cancer. A study by the University of Alberta analyzed 971 popular TikTok videos using five common hashtags related to sunscreen. The research found that while most videos promoted sunscreen use, only 6% included health-related criticisms. Despite this small proportion, these critical videos generated significantly higher engagement metrics such as likes, shares, and comments. Researchers attribute this trend to the viral potential of provocative or controversial content. They note that much of the TikTok content focuses on cosmetic benefits and product promotion rather than the health benefit of reducing skin cancer risk. The study identifies two main types of misinformation: one claiming sunscreen prevents the benefits of sunlight, and another suggesting sunscreen causes harm.

Bias read (Center): The article presents findings from scientific research and does not take a stance on the issue. It objectively reports on the prevalence of misinformation on social media without favoring any side or promoting specific viewpoints.

Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): The article presents factual research findings from a credible academic study, discussing the spread of misinformation on TikTok regarding sunscreen. It accurately reports statistics and methodology while maintaining a balanced perspective between the prevalence of myths and scientific consensus.

ABC (España) logoABC (España)IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7520 days ago
He tests various sunscreens with different protection to see how effective they are and is left speechless with the result: "Let's see how my skin is".

As summer approaches in Spain, the importance of proper sun protection is emphasized, particularly for children and adolescents due to the increased risk of skin cancer. The Ministry of Health highlights the need for adequate sunscreen use, and recommendations include avoiding sun exposure between 12 PM and 4 PM and using sunscreen with at least UVB protection. A related article mentions Leire Barrutia, a dermatologist, discussing her preferred sunscreens for adults and babies.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on health advice regarding sun protection and does not present any political viewpoints or biased framing. It cites official sources such as the Ministry of Health and the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), providing general health guidelines without taking

Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): The article provides general advice from health authorities about sun protection and mentions the importance of sunscreen, but lacks specific details or data. It aligns with cross-source consensus on the risks of sun exposure and proper sunscreen use. The tone is informative but leans slightly towar

ABC (España) logoABC (España)IndependentCenterFactual 30Objective 6023 days ago
Why all TikTok is suddenly making the Camino de Santiago: the viral phenomenon flooding Galicia

The article discusses the sudden popularity of the Camino de Santiago among TikTok users, noting that influencers and content creators are widely sharing their experiences of walking the pilgrimage route. The piece highlights how the traditional religious journey has transformed into a major social and digital trend, with many creators documenting their physical challenges, early mornings in Galician fog, and emotional arrival at the historic Cathedral of Santiago.

Bias read (Center): The article is purely descriptive and does not take a stance on any political issue. It focuses on cultural trends related to social media and pilgrimage, without showing bias toward any political ideology or group.

Why these scores (Factual 30 · Objective 60): This article is off-topic and unrelated to the other two, discussing a completely different phenomenon (the viral trend of walking the Camino de Santiago on TikTok). As such, it cannot be assessed for factuality or objectivity relative to the shared event being reported.

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories