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In a recent study, Marketplace analyzed 200 TikTok videos related to cancer and autism. The investigation revealed a concerning trend of misinformation in the majority of these videos. TikTok has emerged as a popular platform for health advice, but a significant portion of the content on cancer and autism treatments lacks scientific backing.
Journalists from Marketplace reviewed 100 videos each on cancer treatments and autism therapies. Shockingly, over 80% of the remedies showcased in these videos, collectively garnering more than 75 million views, were found to lack scientific validity. Misinformation often gains traction through compelling personal narratives shared in these videos, as highlighted by health misinformation researcher Tim Caulfield.
The creators of these videos primarily included individuals without medical expertise, such as parents of autistic children or individuals claiming to have cured cancer with unproven treatments. Additionally, some video creators potentially profited from promoting these treatments.
Ticketmaster, a prominent online ticketing platform, has pledged to crack down on large-scale scalpers who exploit multiple fake accounts to purchase and resell tickets for events. This initiative follows a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission against Ticketmaster and its parent company, LiveNation, accusing them of deceptive ticket resale tactics.
Furthermore, a routine oil change at Canadian Tire turned into a hazardous situation for a driver when plastic zip ties were used to secure a crucial component of his car. After experiencing severe issues post-service, the driver discovered missing bolts from the engine shield, which were replaced with temporary zip ties without proper explanation.
If you’ve experienced phone scams or been impacted by rising food costs, Marketplace is interested in hearing your stories. Share your experiences by contacting marketplace@cbc.ca. Stay updated with previous episodes of Marketplace on CBC Gem.