TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Education on Thursday warned lawmakers that platforms such as TikTok and RedNote push harmful weight-loss content to teens, fueling body dissatisfaction and “information cocoon” effects.

Deputy Education Minister Liu Kuo-wei (劉國偉) cited studies showing that TikTok search results contain more misinformation and often push self-harm videos to accounts interested in weight loss, per CNA. These videos frequently carry messages about eating disorders and body dissatisfaction, which can lower adolescents’ body satisfaction and increase negative emotions.

Amnesty International research indicates that TikTok’s algorithm can lead teens into “rabbit holes” glamorizing depression, self-harm, and suicide. Once users enter a topic, they tend to keep exploring related content, making it difficult to disengage.

UK studies show that because TikTok is the main news source for adolescents aged 12 to 15, its algorithmically filtered content can create “information cocoon” effects, exposing users only to similar information.

Liu pointed out that due to these risks, countries such as the UK, India, and Ireland have imposed stricter measures on TikTok, including bans and penalties. The European Commission has also ordered the removal of its highly addictive rewards program.

To protect primary and secondary school students, the ministry has blocked short-video platforms such as TikTok and RedNote on Taiwan’s academic network, reducing exposure to harmful content.

Under the Cybersecurity Management Act passed in September, government agencies are also prohibited from using products such as TikTok and RedNote that pose national cybersecurity risks.