Beware of AI-generated ‘TikDocs’ manipulating trust in medical professionals to sell questionable supplements
25 Apr 2025
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3 min. read
Hey there, have you heard of the latest trend on social media involving AI-generated avatars posing as health professionals to promote supplements and wellness products? It’s quite alarming how these ‘TikDocs’ are using deepfake technology to deceive unsuspecting viewers into buying products under the guise of expert advice.
Anatomy of a deception
Imagine watching a video where a virtual doctor recommends a “natural extract” as a miracle solution, only to find out it’s a misleading sales pitch. These deepfakes are getting more sophisticated, pushing unapproved drugs and fake cures, all while exploiting trust in the medical field.
AI to the “rescue”
It’s shocking to see how easily anyone can create these deceptive videos using AI tools. What starts as a marketing gimmick can quickly turn into a tool for spreading misinformation, jeopardizing online health advice and promoting harmful remedies.
Keeping fake doctors at bay
As AI becomes more accessible, spotting these fakes becomes a challenge. Look out for signs like mismatched lip movements, visual glitches, robotic voices, and hyperbolic claims. Verify information with trusted sources and report misleading content to protect yourself from falling for these scams.
It’s crucial to enhance our digital literacy to combat misinformation that could impact our health and finances. Let’s stay vigilant and informed in the face of evolving AI technology.
