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Abstract

This qualitative study examines the foci and characteristics of health-related TikTok videos users find memorable. Specifically, this analysis applies the theory of memorable messages to understand what types of health-related messages on social media are memorable to users and the impact of these messages on health-related behaviors. Participants included college students who use TikTok and recalled a memorable health-related TikTok video. Participants identified (a) exercise and fitness, (b) nutrition and diet, and (c) mental health as the most common memorable health-related topics in TikTok videos. Study findings also indicated that participants often have a strong emotional reaction to memorable content and find that memorable content affirms their identity and behaviors. The implications of the study findings on health-related behaviors and social media use are discussed.

Journal Title

Iowa Journal of Communication

Volume

58

Issue

1

First Page

84

Last Page

106

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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