Does TikTok Affect Mental Health?

In recent years, the social media app TikTok has grown to become one of the most popular platforms used by young people around the world. It is estimated that there are over 800 million active users on the platform, with the majority being between 16 and 24 years old. As such, it is important to consider how this platform may be impacting mental health.

The first concern is around cyberbullying, which has become an increasingly common problem on social media platforms. Research suggests that there is a correlation between cyberbullying and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.

This is particularly concerning for younger users who may not understand or know how to handle these types of situations. Additionally, it can be difficult for parents and guardians to monitor what their children are exposed to on social media platforms as they often lack the technical know-how or time to do so.

Another issue surrounding TikTok is its addictive nature. It has been found that users can spend hours scrolling through content without taking breaks or engaging in other activities. This can lead to feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction when not using the app, which can have a negative impact on mental health.

Finally, it is important to consider that many of the videos shared on TikTok are edited and heavily filtered. This can create an unrealistic expectation of what life should look like and lead users to compare themselves negatively with others seen online. In extreme cases this can contribute to body image issues such as eating disorders or depression.

Conclusion:

Overall, it is clear that while TikTok can be a fun platform for people of all ages, there are potential risks associated with its use that should be taken into consideration when discussing its impact on mental health.