Diversity and Content Reliability Among Dermatologist Influencers on TikTok: A Cross-Sectional Study

TikTok has surged in popularity as a primary source of entertainment for Americans, with many physicians leveraging the platform to disseminate up-to-date medical information. Within this landscape, dermatology has emerged as one of the most sought-after medical subjects, leading to the prominence of numerous board-certified dermatologists as influential figures. However, despite this visibility, dermatology remains among the least diverse medical specialties. This cross-sectional study investigates patterns of following and content reliability on TikTok, particularly concerning dermatological information, based on the racial, gender, and sexual orientation diversity of top influencers. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis of the top 55 dermatologist influencers on TikTok, based on data collected on October 10, 2022, we assess the demographics and video characteristics, with a focus on follower count. Our study found that content produced by Latinx and African American dermatologists demonstrated relatively higher DISCERN scores, although overall content reliability across all groups was low. Additionally, our findings underscore a significant lack of minority representation among dermatology influencers on TikTok, particularly among Latinx, African American, and LGBTQIA+ physicians. This lack of diversity may limit the availability of culturally representative dermatologic information, highlighting a potential gap that has been associated in prior literature with inequities in care and health outcomes. By addressing these diversity gaps, we can work towards fostering more inclusive and equitable healthcare environments on social media platforms.