Assessing the quality and reliability of short video platforms as sources of information on depression among Chinese adolescents: a comparative study with data from Douyin, Bilibili, WeChat, and Xiaohongshu APPs
Main Article Content
Authors
Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
James Cook University Singapore
Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital
Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital
Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Panorama Research Institute, Hong Kong, China
Xijing Hospital
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to systematically evaluate and compare the quality, reliability, and content characteristics of short videos regarding adolescent depression on four major Chinese social media platforms: Douyin, Bilibili, WeChat, and Xiaohongshu.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by retrieving videos using specific keywords related to adolescent depression between January 1, 2023, and March 4, 2025. A total of 600 videos (150 from each platform) were screened. Two independent raters assessed the videos using the Global Quality Score (GQS), the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarking criteria, and the modified DISCERN tool. Statistical analyses, including the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation, were employed to determine differences across platforms and factors influencing video quality.
Results: Douyin exhibited significantly higher scores in GQS, JAMA benchmarks, and modified DISCERN compared to other platforms (P < 0.05). Content produced by individual health professionals (81% of the sample) and healthcare organizations demonstrated superior quality and reliability compared to non-professional users (P < 0.01). While Bilibili videos had the longest duration, they did not achieve the highest quality scores. Engagement metrics (likes, comments, and shares) showed a significant positive correlation with video quality scores (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The quality of information concerning adolescent depression on short video platforms is inconsistent. Douyin and content created by medical professionals currently provide higher-quality information. Platforms should strengthen identity verification for content creators, and medical professionals are encouraged to utilize these platforms more effectively to disseminate accurate mental health knowledge.
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The video-level extraction and rating dataset generated and analysed during this study is available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request, subject to applicable platform terms, privacy safeguards, and institutional requirements. The videos were publicly accessible on Douyin, Bilibili, WeChat, and Xiaohongshu during the collection period; the search strategy and collection dates are reported in the Methods.