Public Perception of the Effects of Artificial Sweeteners on Diabetes Based on YouTube Comments

Information on artificial sweeteners has been largely spread through social media platforms like YouTube. This study explored the interconnectedness between misleading information in YouTube comments and the potential associated health risks associated with it. We expected that the extensive dissemination of misleading information about artificial sweeteners has led to misguided consumer attitudes towards artificial sweeteners and their potential health risks. Here, a content analysis was performed on a total of 4347 comments from 10 YouTube videos to discern the prevalence of comments describing weight loss and diabetes management. From our research, 18.96% of the comments from the 10 YouTube videos either directly described or suggested achieving weight loss by consuming artificial sweetener beverages. Additionally, among the comments that discussed diabetes, 22% either directly mentioned or suggested that diet soda helped regulate their diabetes. The health benefits and risks of artificial sweeteners have been controversial. The discrepancy between scientifically proven facts and false information from comments demonstrated fallibly shaped consumer attitudes through social media. Therefore, our study highlighted the prevalence of comments heralding positive health outcomes as a result of using artificial sweeteners despite lack of scientific evidence.