“Drink this for glowing skin!” “Take this; it’s good for your gut health!” Every day, social media advertises bold health claims, promising fixes and easy life-changing results to teenagers. Nowadays, social media is more than just a way to stay connected with friends; it is a powerful marketing tool that influences everything from what we wear to how we exercise and eat.
Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have exploded with health and wellness trends, pushing products such as sea moss supplements, Coconut Cult yogurt and Bloom Greens onto teens. These products supposedly improve digestion, make your skin glow and increase energy levels. The real question is, are they backed up by science, or are they just trends?
Social media is filled with advertising, but brands now turn to influencers instead of traditional commercials to promote their products. These influencers are often young, fit and relatable to viewers. When an influencer with thousands or sometimes even millions of followers posts a video about an advertisement for an up-and-coming wellness product, it doesn’t take long for it to go viral.
Coconut Cult and Sea Moss are two health trends that have gained significant attention on social media. Coconut Cult is a probiotic-rich coconut yogurt brand that many claim supports gut health. At the same time, Sea Moss, a type of red algae, is often praised for its high mineral content and potential benefits such as improved digestion, skin health and immunity.
Caroline Strauss, a sophomore who started using Coconut Cult and Sea Moss after seeing them on TikTok, explained why she started taking them.
“I saw these products being used by all these health gym girl influencers, so I thought it would be good to try,” Strauss said.
Strauss also mentioned how she’s been using Coconut Cult for around three months, seeing no drastic changes, and the results were not what she was promised by influencers.
A LumberJack study titled “Beware of TikTok health myths” found that 44 percent of TikTok users come from Generation Z, the group most likely to adopt new trends. The problem is that TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t prioritize accuracy but rather encourages engagement, which can spread misleading information.
According to an article from the University of Chicago Medicine website,
Dr. Christopher Roxbury, a surgeon at UChicago Medicine, has first hand experience with social media’s powerful influence on health trends.
He mentioned that he frequently has patients in the clinic asking him questions about things they saw online or on social media, and he has found that the information has often steered patients in the wrong direction.
This algorithm-driven environment has helped make health trends go viral, regardless of whether they are scientifically supported.
One of the most talked-about products on TikTok is Coconut Cult yogurt. It contains 50 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) in just a 2-ounce serving—nearly 50 times more probiotics than regular yogurt. Fans claim it improves digestion, boosts energy and clears skin.
Senior Leila Acevado, a student who was influenced by social media to try trending wellness products, decided to test Coconut Cult for herself after seeing it promoted by various influencers. Despite the hype, she didn’t notice a significant change in how she felt or looked.
“I was initially interested in using these products because of social media influence,” Acevado said.
Caroline Strauss, like many teens, was influenced by the wave of TikTok videos promoting health products. Drawn in by claims of clearer skin and increased fitness, she decided to try Coconut Cult herself, hoping to see noticeable changes.
“I saw so many TikToks about it and the good side effects, even how it can make you fitter, so I thought it would be a good thing to try,” she said.
Both Strauss and Acevado highlight a growing trend: Teens are more likely to trust recommendations from influencers than professionals.
Acevado started using Coconut Cult after seeing influencers talk about its benefits.
“I started using Coconut Cult around three weeks ago, but I haven’t been very consistent with using it, so I haven’t seen much of a noticeable difference,” Acevado said.
While Sea Moss has some beneficial nutrients, the National Institutes of Health states that there is insufficient scientific research to back up most of the extreme health claims seen online.
Bloom Nutrition, another famous TikTok brand, promises better digestion and claims to reduce bloating. However, according to a review published by Computer Network (CNET), a well-known tech and consumer product review site, the results may not live up to the hype.
“I can’t say for certain whether Bloom works. I didn’t see any changes in bloating,” the CNET review stated.
Furthermore, an article from the University of Chicago named “Health information on TikTok: The good, the bad and the ugly,” stated, “A major issue with these viral health trends is that dietary supplements are unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration, this means producers are responsible for their ingredients, which may not be tested or approved by health professionals.”
Despite this, teens still might buy products based on social media hype. Strauss admitted she finds herself drawn to products she sees online.
“Social media influences all my purchases. It’s awful, honestly, but I always like to see what the hype over certain products is and if they meet their huge expectations,” Strauss said.
The pressure for teens to keep up with wellness trends, even when the products are expensive or lack scientific support, is a significant issue and challenge. While some products offer benefits, others may not live up to their claims. Experts suggest that teens do their research before investing in trendy health products.
Jessica Carter, a registered dietitian and teen wellness advocate, emphasizes the importance of critical thinking when it comes to viral health trends.
“There’s nothing wrong with trying new products, but it’s important to be mindful of marketing tactics. Not every product that goes viral is necessary or beneficial,” Carter said.
For those looking to improve their health, simple habits like eating a balanced diet, exercising and getting enough sleep remain the most effective solutions.
Social media has undeniably changed how teens discover and purchase wellness products. While influencers can introduce followers to new products, the pressure to buy expensive items often outweighs the benefits. Do your research, listen to your body and remember that just because something is popular on TikTok doesn’t mean it’s worth your money.
While wellness trends continue to evolve, teens must balance curiosity with critical thinking. True wellness isn’t about what is trending; it’s about what works for you.
