The Dangerous Rise of Sexual Advice on TikTok

Let me tell you something you probably already know but maybe haven’t fully accepted yet: we live in the age of social media . And while there are many popular platforms out there, one stands out above the rest among younger generations. TikTok has become one of the most influential apps for teens and young adults. What started out as a place to share dance videos and light entertainment has grown into an informal hub for learning about everything from mental health to lifestyle, and more and more often, sex and sexuality.

But what happens when the content about sex, body image, or relationships circulating on TikTok is filled with myths, misinformation, or even dangerous advice? In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the impact of social media as a tool for sex education and what we can do about it . So, whether you're someone who regularly watches this kind of content or a parent of someone who does, this is something you’ll want to pay attention to.

TikTok as an Unregulated Source of Sex Education

A quick search on TikTok using hashtags like #sexadvice or #sextips brings up millions of videos… many of them posted by people with no background in sex education, psychology, or medicine. The popularity of this content largely comes from its accessible tone, straightforward language, and viral appeal. But the lack of oversight or scientific validation makes it a double-edged sword.

Yes, these topics do encourage people to talk openly and reflect on essential aspects of their identity and relationships, but it’s necessary to start distinguishing between opinion and science.

Sex education is a field that calls for sensitivity, evidence-based information and an inclusive approach . When those elements are missing, users—often young people without any formal sex education—end up absorbing harmful messages that reinforce guilt, shame, fear, or unsafe practices.

Dangerous Myths and Advice: What’s Being Said on TikTok?

Among the most viral content are recommendations that range from the ridiculous to the downright dangerous . For instance, there are videos promoting the use of toothpaste or soda for intimate hygiene, so-called “vaginal detox” routines, or ejaculation delay techniques based on extreme physical pressure.

There’s also a rise in supposed “tests” to measure sexual compatibility, advice on how to emotionally manipulate a partner during sex, and self-exploration practices that lack any solid anatomical or psychological foundation.

Not only are these tips completely unscientific, but in some cases, they can lead to physical harm, sexual dysfunction or toxic relationship dynamics . And that’s not even touching on the glaring absence of fundamental elements in any healthy relationship, like consent and desire.

The Psychological and Sexual Impact on Younger Generations

As I mentioned earlier, TikTok is the go-to app for the younger generations. So it’s no surprise that teenagers, given the stage of development they’re in, are especially vulnerable to these kinds of misleading messages . This is a time when sexual and body identity are still taking shape, and exposure to unverified advice can lead to unrealistic expectations, frustration and performance anxiety.

What’s more, many young people assume that if a video has millions of views or likes, its content must be valid . This false sense of social validation creates the perfect environment for sexual myths to spread: myths that can harm self-esteem, distort ideas about consent, and negatively influence how pleasure and desire are experienced.

Where Does Professional Sex Education Fit In?

One of the biggest challenges posed by social media platforms like TikTok is the lack of visible, credible professionals . While there are sexologists, psychologists and other health and social care professionals trying to combat misinformation, their content usually doesn’t reach as far as that of unqualified viral creators. After all, TikTok’s algorithm rewards what entertains… not necessarily what educates.

This creates an urgent need not just for health professionals, but also for educational institutions and families. Young people need to be taught critical thinking skills so they can tell the difference between viral content and trustworthy information . And know where to turn for reliable sources. That’s why it’s essential to provide them with clear alternatives that are adapted to the digital language of their generation.

How to Spot Bad Sexual Advice on Social Media

There are a few basic indicators that can help users figure out whether sexual advice on TikTok is trustworthy:

1. Who's giving the advice? Check if the person has a background in psychology, sexology, medicine or education.
   
   

2. Do they cite sources or studies? Reliable content is usually evidence-based, not just based on personal experiences presented as universal truths.
   
   

3. Does it promote safe, consensual and inclusive practices? If it doesn’t respect these principles, it’s likely misinformation.
   
   

4. Does it create feelings of guilt, fear or shame? Good sex education never does.
   
   

5. Does it encourage communication, self-care and respect? These are signs of responsible content.
   
   

Conclusion: Educate to Prevent

The rise of sexual advice on TikTok is not something we should ignore or downplay, but we shouldn’t demonize it either. It reflects how younger generations access information, form opinions, and explore their identities . Still, it’s crucial that this access is accompanied by critical thinking, sexual literacy and high-quality content.

As a psychologist and sexologist, I emphasize the importance of creating spaces where people can talk about sex openly, naturally, and without taboos . But also without turning it into something trivial or purely for show. Sexuality deserves to be experienced with awareness, pleasure and respect. And that starts, partially, with being mindful of who we choose to listen to on TikTok.

Sources

• Albright, J. M. (2019). Sex education in the digital age: How adolescents learn about sex online. Current Opinion in Psychology, 26, 13–17.
  
  

• McCarthy, O., Carswell, K., Murray, E., Free, C., Stevenson, F., & Bailey, J. V. (2012). What young people want from a sexual health website: design and development of Sexunzipped. Journal of medical Internet research, 14(5), e127.  https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.2116  
  
  

• Morahan-Martin J. M. (2004). How internet users find, evaluate, and use online health information: a cross-cultural review. Cyberpsychology & behavior : the impact of the Internet, multimedia and virtual reality on behavior and society, 7(5), 497–510.  https://doi.org/10.1089/cpb.2004.7.497  
  
  

• TikTok Transparency Center. (2023). Community Guidelines and Health Misinformation. Recuperado de https://www.tiktok.com/transparency/es-es
  
  

• UNESCO (2022). Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education. Recuperado de https://www.unesco.org