Why Gen Z Prefers DMs Over Doctors: Insights from a TikTok Survey

A recent survey highlights a significant shift in how Generation Z approaches healthcare and trusted information sources. According to a comprehensive global study conducted by communications firm Edelman, nearly 45% of young adults aged 18 to 34 tend to ignore advice from trained medical professionals, instead placing greater trust in friends, family, or social media personalities. Of these respondents, 38% explicitly rejected guidance from doctors in favor of content from social media platforms like TikTok.

This trend is partly driven by the rise of so-called "crunchy teens," a demographic of health-conscious, wellness-focused youths who often share and promote unconventional health theories online. Stefanie Sequeira, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Virginia, explains that teenagers have always been skeptical of authority as part of their developmental process. She notes that questioning norms and authority figures is essential for their growth and independence.

Adolescence, roughly from ages 10 to 24, is marked by intense physical, emotional, and social changes. During this period, brain development makes teens particularly susceptible to peer influence and emotional stimuli, a vulnerability exacerbated by the expansive reach of social media. As Sequeira points out, these platforms create virtual peer groups that extend far beyond their school environments, with social standing often measured in followers, likes, and views—adding new pressures and avenues for validation.

For parents and guardians, navigating this landscape requires caution. Sequeira advises young people to critically evaluate emotionally charged content, questioning the motives behind provocative or fear-inducing messages. She emphasizes that influencers and content creators often craft online personas that foster trust and closeness, which can blur the lines between genuine advice and commercial or emotional manipulation.

Furthermore, algorithmic curation can reinforce false narratives by continuously exposing viewers to content that aligns with their existing beliefs, regardless of accuracy. This echo chamber effect makes it challenging for teens to discern credible information from misinformation, underscoring the importance of media literacy and critical thinking skills.

Ultimately, understanding these dynamics is crucial for supporting teens' health and well-being in a digital age where peer influence and social media play dominant roles. Encouraging open dialogue, critical evaluation of online content, and fostering trust with healthcare providers can help bridge the gap between Generation Z and professional medical guidance.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-tiktok-docs-survey-gen-dms.html