The Effects of TikTok on Teenagers

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The Effects of TikTok on Teenagers: What the Social Media App is Doing to Our Next Generation

 

Background of TikTok

TikTok was released in 2016 by the developer ByteDance. TikTok hosts user submitted videos, which can range in duration from three seconds to ten minutes. The app gained massive popularity when the pandemic hit the U.S. in 2020 as teens were forced to stay inside, not go to school, and were not able to see anyone outside of their home.


Negative Effects of TikTok

The instant gratification and “viral” hit to a TikTok user’s video are what has allowed the app to continue its popularity. Teens look to this app as a source of external validation and rely heavily on its use to provide what they believe is total happiness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the brain finishes developing and maturing in the mid to late 20’s. Therefore, the content teens are consuming every day on TikTok and other social media apps are situations and experiences that are shaping their brains and how they perceive themselves and the world. Mental health has also become a prevalent issue on the app; however, teens are believing some of the false information that is being pushed by users who believe they can self-diagnose as well as diagnose others. What is happening over time is that teens are now solely making connections online instead of looking to connect to people in the real world. Participation in dangerous social media challenges, screen time addiction, and teens being connected to bullies or predators is what has so many parents bringing their teens to counseling for practical and necessary treatment.

 

How to Help Teens

Listen up parents, this one is for you. Hiding behind a screen is what provides one with a sense of anonymity and allows people, teens specifically, to portray an image online that goes completely against who they are. What happened to weekly family meetings, getting outside, taking a walk, riding your bike at the park, calling a friend and meeting for dinner? A conversation must be had with your teen to figure out what their values and morals are. What are your teen’s goals? What are they passionate about? Helping teens see the value of forming real relationships so they have a support system to utilize in person. Otherwise, TikTok and other social media apps are going to decide who your teens are for them.

 

About the Author

Kiira Sisman is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Finding Peace Counseling Center in the Woodlands, Texas. Kiira’s specialties include women’s issues, teenage bullying, self-harm, anxiety, trauma, and depression and works with individuals via telehealth. For more information on any of the above-listed issues or more, contact Finding Peace Counseling Center today by calling 832-306-2969 for more information. You can also schedule an appointment now by visiting the Finding Peace Counseling Center website.

 

References
National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-teen-brain-7-things-to-know

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