Is TikTok Bad For Your Mental Health?
Only on the scene since 2016, TikTok has become a major player in social media. Considering how many platforms there are to distract people of all ages, significantly impacting users is no small feat. This article will explore the impact of social media platforms like TikTok on the under-25 population and how these forms of entertainment and engagement impact the mental health of younger generations.
The Allure of TikTok
TikTok offers a unique blend of entertainment, creativity, and community. Users can create and share fifteen to sixty-second videos, often set to music, showcasing everything from dance routines and comedy skits to educational content and life hacks. TikTok has attracted an audience of over one billion users around the world. Considered so potentially dangerous at one point, and even a possible spy tactic by the Chinese government, The United States has explored banning this platform multiple times since its inception.
According to an article by Joe Tidy & Sophia Smith Galer of BBC News, “TikTok’s secret lies in its use of music and a powerful algorithm, which learns what content users like to see far faster than other apps.” With its enormous database of movie clips, filters, and songs to lip-sync to, TikTok users can become hooked on its avenues of creativity. The platform is exceptionally appealing to the under-25 population, with Instagram and Twitter attracting older users.
The Impact of TikTok on Mental Health
The under-25-year-olds are arguably an influenceable bunch. Teenagers and young students may be susceptible to the downfalls of any social media platform since they are more likely to lack discernment at a young age. So, just what kind of impact is TikTok having on the mental health of this population?
Benefits of TikTok
TikTok has become more than just a platform for entertainment; it has evolved into a space where creativity, community, education, and enjoyment intersect. This multifaceted platform offers a range of benefits that cater to different user needs and preferences, making it a versatile tool for various purposes.
1. Creativity
TikTok is a breeding ground for creativity. The platform’s editing tools, special effects, and music options empower users to craft unique and engaging content. Whether it’s through dance, comedy, art, or storytelling, TikTok allows users to push the boundaries of their imagination and express themselves in ways that other social media platforms may not support as robustly.
2. Community
One of the most compelling aspects of TikTok is its ability to foster a sense of community. Users can find and connect with others who share their interests in niche hobbies, professional fields, or cultural backgrounds. This sense of belonging can be empowering, offering a supportive space where individuals feel seen and heard. The platform’s algorithm also helps by curating content that aligns with users’ preferences, further enhancing the community experience.
3. Entertainment
Entertainment is at the core of TikTok’s appeal. The platform provides endless hours of amusement with its diverse range of content. From viral dance challenges and comedic skits to behind-the-scenes glimpses of users’ daily lives, TikTok ensures something for everyone. Its short-form video format is designed to capture and maintain viewers’ attention, making it an ideal platform for quick bursts of entertainment.
4. Education
TikTok is also a valuable educational resource. Many users leverage the platform to share informative and educational videos on various topics, from science and history to cooking and DIY projects. This makes learning accessible and enjoyable, breaking down complex concepts into digestible, engaging pieces. The rise of ‘EduTok’ content has shown that TikTok can effectively spread knowledge and foster curiosity.
5. Inspiration and Motivation
In addition to entertainment and education, TikTok can be a source of inspiration and motivation. Users often share personal stories of overcoming challenges, fitness journeys, and motivational content that can inspire others to pursue their goals and improve their lives. The platform’s ability to highlight diverse voices and experiences can motivate users to take action in their own lives, whether starting a new hobby, improving their mental health, or achieving personal milestones.
Negative Impacts of TikTok on Mental Health
Recent studies have drawn a significant association between social media use, including platforms like TikTok, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
1. Social Media May Worsen Depression and Anxiety
For example, a systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by BMC Psychology found a notable link between problematic social networking use and increased anxiety symptoms. The study emphasized that excessive and problematic social media use could contribute to elevated anxiety levels.
Moreover, a review published in Behavioral Sciences explored the connection between social media use and depression among adolescents. The review analyzed multiple studies and found that social media use is associated with adverse outcomes such as:
- Anxiety
- Poor sleep quality
- Low self-esteem
- Social anxiety
- Appearance anxiety
Interestingly, it was noted that females using social media platforms showed higher depression symptoms compared to males.
2. Social Media & TikTok Can Lead to Bullying
Anytime people put their content and opinions on a social media platform, they open themselves up to bullying. Many young people using TikTok and other social media platforms increase the likelihood of a teenager or adolescent encountering this issue. For example, their videos could be ridiculed and shared with other students. Bullying has an immense impact on a teenager’s mental health and well-being. The alienation caused by bullying is well known to create enough adverse mental health effects to even lead to suicide.
Related:
Cyberbullying
How to Get Help for a Suicidal Teenager
3. TikTok Can Lead to Addiction
The stream of material available to teenagers on TikTok and other social media platforms is quite literally endless. Moreover, TikTok is created to encourage extended periods of use. When young people are glued to their phones, watching one enticing video after another for hours on end, addiction is bound to occur. The negative impact of addiction to anything is clear. Cases in the brain become involved, making putting the phone down almost impossible. In terms of what that does to in-person social connection, the mental effect of never turning away from the screen is severe.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment for Teens
4. TikTok Can Lead to Unhealthy Comparisons with Others
Getting likes and followers is a significant component of social media and TikTok. If a student puts up a video that doesn’t get very much attention and then looks at a similar video from a peer that garners a more significant response, the student is likely to feel negative or disliked, potentially lowering self-esteem and leading to anxiety and depression. This can also lead to young people making more outrageous and dangerous videos to get attention or be accepted. The belief of never being good enough can take a toll.
5. TikTok Can Give Predators Easier Access To Young People
Like all other social media platforms, TikTok allows strangers direct access to children and adolescents through messaging features. This sets up an easily accessible route for predators to manipulate. TikTok does not restrict anyone from joining or creating a membership3, and with children making their presence so clear on the app, it sets up a perfect environment to prey upon those children making videos. Some might think that young people will know the difference between a creepy person messaging them and a regular admirer, but many predators are skilled at grooming children. Once a child is under the trappings of one of these types of people, their mental health is at extreme risk.
6. TikTok Can Lead to Self-Harm and Eating Disorders
Issues like these are prevalent among teenagers. Since many young people who struggle mentally face these disorders, they will talk about this subject matter with some frequency on TikTok. While this is good in some way, it can also introduce these concepts to a very impressionable population. Instead of talking to an adult, they may turn to another teenager who is clueless about how to deal with their feelings.
Related: Understanding Self-Harm
7. TikTok Can Expose Kids to Traumatic Content
One notable feature of TikTok is its endless stream of suggested clips. While seemingly harmless in its original intent, the viewing journey can eventually lead to dark and unexpected places as the app tries to learn what viewers prefer to watch. For example, if a teen is watching videos about the military or hunting, TikTok’s algorithm may quickly direct them to clips about serial killers or murders. The mental impact of seeing disturbing images or even hearing about traumatic world events can be challenging for some individuals, especially young people.
Related: How Trauma Affects the Brain
8. Negative Impact on Academic Performance
The time spent on TikTok can significantly detract from a student’s academic responsibilities. Homework, studying, and class attendance may begin to suffer as teenagers prioritize screen time over educational commitments. The constant distraction of social media platforms and endless content consumption can lead to procrastination and a decline in academic performance. This, in turn, can create a cycle of stress and anxiety as students fall behind in their studies and struggle to catch up.
Related: How to Recognize Depression in Students
9. Impact on Sleep Patterns
The addictive and all-consuming nature of TikTok often leads teenagers, who are still learning discipline and self-control, to stay up late watching videos, which can disrupt their sleep patterns. Not to mention, the blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Poor sleep quality can result in fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating during the day. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can have severe consequences for both physical and mental health.
10. Exposure to Dangerous Trends and Challenges
TikTok is notorious for its viral trends and challenges, some of which can be dangerous or even life-threatening. Teens may feel pressured to participate in these trends to gain popularity or acceptance among their peers. This can lead to risky behaviors and accidents. Additionally, the psychological impact of participating in or witnessing dangerous challenges can contribute to anxiety and fear.
11. Encouragement of Unrealistic Beauty Standards
Many TikTok videos emphasize appearance, featuring influencers advertising beauty products or prompting users to watch them get ready. These videos can sometimes promote unrealistic beauty standards, especially for young people. Filters and editing tools can also create an idealized image that teenagers feel pressured to emulate. This can lead to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and eating disorders. The constant comparison to idealized images can make teenagers think they are inadequate and negatively impact their mental health.
Related: What is Bing Eating Disorder?
Parental Concerns and Monitoring With TikTok
Parents have every right to be concerned about the number of hours that their kids spend on TikTok. Where possible, parents should learn to utilize parental controls over the TikTok app and monitor the content their kids view. It may also be helpful for parents to create their own TikTok account if they don’t already have one and ask their teenagers to show them what they like about it. Connecting with their children in this way is the first step to understanding the attraction of this platform. It can also help open up a dialogue to talk about its potentially negative impacts on their mental health.
New Dimensions Can Help!
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms or problems, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you or your loved one overcome these challenges and develop skills to thrive.
To schedule a complementary assessment or learn more about our programs, contact us at 800-685-9796.
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References
1. Wang, Jufang. (2020). From banning to regulating TikTok: Addressing concerns of national security, privacy, and online harms. Accessed from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344584442_From_banning_to_regulating_TikTok_Addressing_concerns_of_national_security_privacy_and_online_harms
2. Tidy, J., & Smith Galer, S. (2020, August 5). TikTok: The story of a social media giant. BBC News. Accessed from: https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-53640724
3. Du, M., Zhao, C., Hu, H. et al. Association between problematic social networking use and anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychol 12, 263 (2024). Accessed from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01705-w
4. Azem, L., Al Alwani, R., Lucas, A., Alsaadi, B., Njihia, G., Bibi, B., Alzubaidi, M., & Househ, M. (2023). Social Media Use and Depression in Adolescents: A Scoping Review. Behavioral Sciences, 13(6), 475. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060475
5. Man, X., Liu, J., & Xue, Z. (2022). Effects of Bullying Forms on Adolescent Mental Health and Protective Factors: A Global Cross-Regional Research Based on 65 Countries. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(4), 2374. Accessed from: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042374
6. Silvani, M. I., Werder, R., & Perret, C. (2022). The influence of blue light on sleep, performance and wellbeing in young adults: A systematic review. Frontiers in physiology, 13, 943108. Accessed from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.943108