Multidimensional Assessment of Cyberchondria Through TikTok Searches Among ID 124-125 DLSU Senior High School Students Using the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-15)

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• Yasmin Joy D. Gianan, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Gwyne P. Duron, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Danyella Marie G. Estrella, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Emilla Simone C. Hernandez, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Magnolia Ashley E. Magno, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Food, Nutrition, and Health (FNH)

School Name

De La Salle University

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Alberto, Angelo M.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

https://zoom.us/j/91936856247?pwd=oCMfMsh44I2wb0dYsEgoInDJy59bOq.1 Meeting ID: 919 3685 6247 | Passcode: research

Abstract/Executive Summary

With easier access to the internet, people instinctively seek out online information for questions they have, including serious health-related concerns. This widespread behavior increases the risk of developing cyberchondria, which is the repetitive online searching for health information that increases anxiety and emotional distress. Adolescents, particularly Senior High School (SHS) students, heavily use digital platforms such as TikTok, which may allow them to stumble upon false information about health, leading them to possible cyberchondria habits. This study focuses on SHS students from De La Salle University (DLSU), known for its strong integration of technology into campus life. It aims to assess the prevalence and severity of cyberchondria through TikTok searches among DLSU SHS students. The researchers used the 15-item Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-15) to evaluate compulsion, distress, excessiveness, reassurance, and mistrust of medical professionals, along with a survey based on Kirkpatrick and Lawrie (2024) to measure TikTok usage patterns. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman’s rank-order correlation. Results showed that higher TikTok usage was significantly associated with increased levels of cyberchondria, particularly distress and excessiveness. Significant differences were also observed across subgroups, particularly in terms of biological sex and grade level. These findings suggest that frequent exposure to health-related content on TikTok contributed to higher health anxiety among SHS students and highlighted the need for better digital health literacy.

Keywords

cyberchondria; TikTok; CSS-15; Spearman’s rank-order correlation; Mann-Whitney U test

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes