The Psychological Impact of Excessive TikTok Use on Teenagers




In an era where social media dominates daily life, the excessive use of platforms like TikTok is raising serious concerns about its psychological effects on teenagers. While social media offers entertainment and connectivity, studies indicate that prolonged exposure, particularly exceeding two hours per day, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and risky behaviors. Understanding the consequences of such digital consumption is crucial for fostering healthier online habits.

Alarming Trends

A recent study published in the journal Nature by researchers from the Open University of Catalonia and Pompeu Fabra University in Spain revealed that one in five teenagers spends more than two hours daily on TikTok. This surpasses recommended social media usage limits and is linked to increased risks of anxiety, depression, sadistic aggressive behavior, and impulsive decision-making.

TikTok’s unique algorithm and interface set it apart from other social media platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook. Unlike these platforms, TikTok encourages passive content consumption, limiting user interaction and making it a potential barrier to social engagement.

Key Findings on Digital Well-being

The study involved interviews with 1,000 Spanish adolescents aged 12 to 18, assessing their digital well-being, defined as the balance between online time and mental and emotional health. The results showed that over 53% of participants spent more than an hour daily on TikTok, 35% exceeded 90 minutes, and over 20% used it for more than two hours. Additionally, girls were more likely to engage with the platform than boys, with 25% of female participants spending significant time on TikTok compared to 15% of males.

Despite acknowledging the need for time management, teenagers struggled to regulate their app usage. On a scale of 1 to 5, they rated their ability to set time limits at 3.22, emotional control over content at 3.31, and social connection through the app at 3.64. However, excessive use correlated with lower self-control; those exceeding two hours rated their ability to limit usage at 2.93, while those spending under an hour rated it at 3.33. The trend continued inversely, with scores improving as usage decreased—3.47 for those under 30 minutes and 3.53 for less than 10 minutes daily.

These insights align with previous research linking excessive social media use to body image dissatisfaction, respiratory distress, and increased suicidal thoughts.

Boredom and Psychological Distress

A study by the University of Toronto, published in the *Journal of General Psychology*, found that compulsive use of TikTok and YouTube, characterized by continuous video scrolling, exacerbates boredom rather than alleviating it. While many turn to social media as a distraction, excessive screen time can intensify feelings of emptiness and discontent.

Moreover, chronic screen engagement is associated with mental health issues, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, sadistic aggressive behavior, and reckless decision-making without adequate risk assessment. Researchers emphasize that relying solely on parental control is insufficient. Instead, educational programs promoting responsible digital habits among youth are necessary.

The Spanish study warns against extreme measures like outright bans on TikTok. Instead, it advocates for teaching adolescents how to use the platform in moderation while regularly reviewing social media algorithms to mitigate their harmful effects.

A Call for Digital Awareness

With social media becoming an integral part of modern life, understanding its psychological impact on teenagers is more important than ever. While TikTok provides entertainment and creative expression, excessive use can have serious mental health consequences. Encouraging digital literacy, setting healthy screen-time limits, and fostering meaningful offline interactions are essential steps toward a balanced and mindful approach to social media consumption.



Reference: Corriere




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