Tiktok - the Time Is Now to Understand Social Media's Effects on Postpartum Depression in Us Women

Theoretical Background and research questions/hypothesis:

Understanding social media’s effects on vulnerable populations is important for health professionals and policymakers. The postpartum period is an especially vulnerable time in a person’s life. Most American mothers use social media during the perinatal period, and many also experience postpartum depression (PPD). This analysis examined literature on social media’s possible relationship to PPD along with postpartum TikTok content and was motivated by the purpose of determining potential risks and benefits and whether relevant policies are needed for healthcare professionals.

Methods:

A literature review of relevant articles was conducted along with a review of TikTok posts using the search term “postpartum.” Each TikTok post was analyzed for content, sentiment, and demographic information in DeDoose. Results were compared to a similar Instagram study by MacPherson et al. (2022).

Results:

Literature review: 18 articles included. Benefits included support, connections, ease of finding answers and asking embarrassing questions, and its capacity to reduce barriers to support. Several articles examined social media as a potential tool to diagnose/treat PPD or reach those facing treatment obstacles. Risks included users feeling judged, body dissatisfaction (leading to PPD), and non-inclusive spaces.

TikTok analysis: 100 videos included. Only 4% focused on weight loss. Compared to Instagram, TikTok postpartum posts focused less on weight loss and more on the transition to motherhood and general body changes. MacPherson’s Instagram analysis found “the salient focus [was] on exercise.” Conversely, TikTok videos focused on breast changes, tips, and emotions. TikTok content provided honest portrayals of the postpartum period. Videos often highlighted the mental toll of new motherhood. However, postpartum videos on TikTok were relatively homogenous and may not encompass experiences of non-white/non-middle-class women. Further study is needed to understand how viewers of postpartum TikTok content feel it represents them and how it makes them feel. Still, this investigation revealed stark contrasts to Instagram. TikTok may have greater potential for utilization for postpartum depression support.

Conclusions:

Social media can be a powerful tool in combating PPD through risk detection, intervention, and reducing barriers to care. While there is potential for social media to mitigate PPD, there are also risks. Postpartum people use social media to find the support they feel they’re lacking from doctors. Public health professionals/clinicians need to be aware of the content their patients are consuming. Certain platforms, especially Instagram, contain content more likely to lead to or exacerbate PPD. TikTok may provide a safer space for postpartum women to learn, share experiences, and gain support.

Implications for research and/or practice:

Increased emphasis needs to be put on social media by public health researchers, mental health clinicians and scientists, public policy, and the OBGYN community. Multilateral collaboration is needed to ensure these platforms are used safely and provide a healthy place for postpartum women. Most importantly, ACOG policies are needed to address the risks associated with social media and PPD. Perinatal healthcare professionals need to be aware of and adapt to the online world their patients live in.