Is Tiktok the New Google? Content and Source Analysis of Google and Tiktok as Search Engines for Dermatologic Content

Summary: This study explores the content of dermatologic information on Google versus TikTok, driven by the increasing reliance on social media among younger generations. As TikTok gains popularity over traditional search engines like Google, dermatologists must understand the nature of content found on these platforms. A comparison of the first 10 results for 10 common skin conditions on both platforms revealed that Google predominantly sourced institutional, evidence-based resources, while TikTok featured more content from board-certified dermatologists but also from laypeople, increasing the risk of misinformation. TikTok results showed more personal anecdotes, home remedies, and entertainment content, compared to Google’s more formal educational resources. Variability in search results on both platforms, influenced by user history and location, remains a limitation. Dermatologists should remain aware of the types of information patients may encounter on TikTok and Google, and guide them toward reliable resources for skin care.