Should TikTok be Banned? Examining Its Effects on Mental Health

What is TikTok?

TikTok has been in the news lately and not necessarily for all the best reasons. You may have heard about different states banning the app. While there are certain security reasons why states are doing so, it's important to discuss the mental health aspects of this social app. So what is TikTok?

TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create, share and discover short videos. It was originally launched in 2016 by Chinese tech company Byte Dance and has since become one of the most popular social media apps in the world with over a billion active users. The app allows users to create videos from anywhere between 15 seconds to 3 minutes long. Videos often include music sound effects and visual effects. Users can also interact with other individuals by commenting, liking, sharing and following other users.

The platform uses an algorithm that recommends content to users based on their interests, search history and previous engagement with other videos on the platform. So unlike other social media apps where users can approve the content that is generally on their feed (such as Instagram or Facebook where a user might accept a friend request or accept a follower), the TikTok algorithm feeds users a variety of videos almost at random. Yet, as discussed above, it's not random because of the algorithm, though it may feel that way. TikTok has become known for its viral challenges, dance trends and the general cultural influence of its user-generated content. Much like many other social platforms, it has also become a place where both good and negative parts of society have shown up, making it the subject of controversy and praise during its time thus far.

Positives of the App

So let's start with the positives of TikTok on mental health. First and foremost it is entertaining and there is an inherent value in that. The stress of modern day life lends itself to social media apps or other ways to engage online that act as escapism where the problems of today and yesterday aren't necessarily on your mind when you use the app. One funny video can change your mood, even if just for a moment.

Another way that TikTok has been positive in the mental health space is that it helps with finding community. Much like a lot of the other aspects of the internet, TikTok lends itself to niches and avenues of exploration where individuals can find themselves with like-minded people especially when it comes to hobbies and interests.

The final way that TikTok is positive in the mental health field is that it can be a learning opportunity. While not all the content on TikTok is age appropriate or even advantageous to learning, there are many creators that use the social media app as a tool to help educate. On the app you will find school teachers, doctors, first responders, scientists, and other reputable sources. That being said, you will also find people claiming to be reputable sources who quite frankly are not. This leads us into our first negative regarding mental health and the app.

Negatives of the App

There's a lot of information on the app and it can be difficult to determine what is true, especially today. TikTok itself is a platform where anyone can post content which can lead to the misinformation and conspiracy theory problems that we face today. Exposure to this type of content can often lead to anxiety and confusion, particularly for young and impressionable viewers.

Another way that TikTok is rather difficult is that its algorithm is designed to keep users engaged, which can lead to excessive use. Mental health has been shown to be negatively impacted by excessive use of social media through linkage of depression, anxiety and other various mental health issues.

Another way that TikTok is negative for individuals, particularly youth, is the comparison and self-esteem aspect. Much like most social media, TikTok is a platform where users can compare themselves to others and feel pressure to conform to certain standards or trends. This can lead to negative body image and self-esteem issues, as well as anxiety and depression.

Lastly, much like most social media, TikTok is no stranger to cyberbullying. As with any social media platform, TikTok can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying, users may receive negative comments or messages that can be hurtful or damaging. This, in conjunction with the comparison and self-esteem aspect, can start to grow things like anxiety and depression.

The Verdict

So let's get back to the question of should TikTok be banned? From a governmental aspect, I'm not the person to ask. From a mental health aspect, I think much like most social media, it depends on the individual user. I think at the end of the day it all comes down to moderation and mindfulness.

TikTok, like other social media platforms, is a tool. It's up to us how we use it or how we misuse it. It’s about setting healthy boundaries with the tool, knowing when to put it down and knowing what aspects do us good and what aspects are doing us harm. This is all the more reason why digital literacy programs, like Cyber Civics, are so important in our new online world. Even if TikTok were to be banned, a new social media platform will pop up and all the kids will be talking about it and we'll probably be having this conversation again. But if we teach children how to use technology and social media responsibly, we can rest assured that they have the skills and ability to navigate the online world no matter which new app is trending.

Interested in Learning More?

Join us for our next Cyberwise Chat, a free webinar where we discuss “Should TikTok Be Banned? Or Not?”

Register for the webinar here! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NzBUvMD4TFapC8H2m95j_g

Author: Connor Cohen.

Connor joined the Cyber Civics team in 2023 with experience in both social work and marketing. In 2020 he earned his LMSW in Texas where he worked as a therapist in a private practice. He made the switch from direct practice to marketing and worked with therapists to help market the profession and practice. Connor now works for Cyber Civics and Cyberwise. After earning his Bachelors in English, Political Science and Counseling from the University of North Texas, he went on to receive his Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. Continuing his studies, he earned a certificate in Digital Marketing from the University of Texas in 2022. He resides in Houston, TX with his fiancee and dog Leia. Connor feels that his role at Cyberwise and Cybercivics is the perfect place to make the much needed changes that help promote the mission of increasing digital literacy and online safety.