TikTok is the social network of the moment and has conquered an increasingly younger audience. The platform is famous for its short and engaging videos, which can be highly addictive for users, especially younger users. According to an article by Exame magazine, this characteristic of short and addictive videos is one of the main factors that make TikTok so attractive to this age group.
Web videos are short, usually lasting between 15 and 60 seconds. This means that users can watch tons of videos in just a few minutes, creating a highly addictive browsing experience. Furthermore, TikTok uses sophisticated algorithms to recommend videos that match each person’s interests, which can keep users browsing for hours. Additionally, the videos are designed to be engaging and captivating. They usually feature music or a striking visual effect, and feature people dancing, singing, or performing tricks and challenges. These elements can be highly attractive to young people who can easily get stuck in endless video browsing.
While the experience of browsing TikTok can be fun and engaging, overuse of the platform can have negative consequences on young people’s mental health. Since the videos are designed to be short and highly addictive, it’s easy for users to spend hours browsing the platform, neglecting other important activities like studying, exercising, and socializing with friends and family.
TikTok content can be highly influential in how young people view themselves and the world around them. Videos often feature people displaying an idealized life, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or pressure to live up to a certain standard. To avoid platform addiction and its negative effects, it is important for young people to set time limits for using the platform. Parents can also help monitor their children’s screen time and teach them how to use TikTok in a healthy and responsible way. Furthermore, it is important for users to be selective with the type of content they consume and to avoid harmful comparisons with others.
