TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among teenagers. The app allows users to create and share short videos set to music. TikTok currently has over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide.
However, TikTok has faced controversy regarding inappropriate content and lack of protections for minors on the platform. There have been instances of adult content reaching younger audiences, as well as reports of predators contacting minors directly through the app (Source 1). Many have called for TikTok to improve its content moderation and safety features.
This has led some to suggest that TikTok create an 18+ version of the app, which would provide stronger protections to keep mature content separate from younger users. The idea is that this could allow for more adult creative freedom while preventing child safety issues.
This article will examine the debate around whether creating an adult-only version of TikTok could be beneficial in light of concerns around inappropriate content and minor safety.
TikTok’s Current Policies
TikTok’s community guidelines prohibit nudity, sexual activities, harassment, hate speech, violence, illegal activities, and dangerous behavior. The platform uses a combination of technology and human moderators to identify and remove policy-violating content.
TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old to create an account. Accounts for younger users are removed if identified. However, some critics argue TikTok has not done enough to verify ages and prevent access for very young children (Source).
For accounts belonging to 13-15 year olds, TikTok enables default privacy settings to limit exposures. Mature content is restricted from this age group. There are also restrictions on features like commenting, Duets, Stitch, and downloading for these younger users.
For accounts belonging to users 16 and older, TikTok applies no default restrictions, but users can enable Restricted Mode to limit exposures to mature content. Users of any age can also block, mute, or filter content they don’t wish to see.
When inappropriate content or policy violations are identified, TikTok removes the content and may issue warnings, temporary account suspensions, or permanent bans depending on the severity of the violation (Source).
Precedents from Other Platforms
Some major social media platforms like Reddit and Tumblr have implemented separate 18+ sections in response to concerns around exposing minors to adult content. These sections help segregate more mature themes and discussions into areas specifically for adult users. For example, Reddit has the option for users to mark their communities as NSFW (not safe for work), which hides those communities from underage users and requires an account confirmation that you are 18+ to view them.
According to a Reddit administrator, establishing an 18+ section has allowed the platform to “give users a choice about the type of content they see” while still allowing adult discussions in a responsible way. Research indicates these sections have successfully reduced unwanted exposure for minors. [1]
Likewise, Tumblr has taken steps to hide explicit and suggestive content from users under 18. By using a separate “adult” section of the site, Tumblr provides access to mature themes for those who opt-in, while limiting exposure for younger demographics. Early numbers show this has decreased unwanted interactions for teens on the platform. [2]
These precedents indicate that implementing a 18+ section on social media sites can be an effective moderation strategy to balance allowing adult creative expression with protecting younger users.
Potential Benefits
There are some potential benefits to creating an 18+ version of TikTok. One major benefit would be allowing adult content while still protecting minors. An 18+ version could satisfy demand from adult users who want more freedom to post risqué or explicit content. At the same time, minors could be restricted to the main TikTok platform that maintains stricter content moderation policies. Segmenting users this way allows adults more creative freedom while limiting exposure for teens and children.
Another potential benefit is increased ad revenue from 18+ content. Advertisers often pay more to target adult audiences. An 18+ TikTok would open up new monetization opportunities with alcohol, gambling, adult entertainment, and other brands eager to reach the 18-30 demographic. TikTok could see a revenue boost by expanding into adult-oriented advertising and sponsorships. However, this approach would likely generate controversy around commodifying adult content.
In summary, key potential benefits of an 18+ TikTok include satisfying adult creative expression, protecting minors, and generating more ad revenue from adult demographics and content. However, TikTok would need to weigh these factors carefully against the risks.
Potential Drawbacks
One major potential drawback of an 18+ version of TikTok is the difficulty in accurately verifying user ages. Unlike sites that require credit card information, TikTok relies largely on user-provided information. Experts warn that underage users may easily circumvent age restrictions. Content deemed inappropriate for teens could still reach them on a platform thought to be restricted.
Enabling adult content also sparks controversy and backlash. As reported by Raising Children, increased sexualized content and cyberbullying often accompany relaxed age policies. Brands worry their ads could appear alongside objectionable videos. This financial risk gives advertisers pause about supporting the platform.
According to Lifespan, unmonitored social media use correlates to increased anxiety, depression, and unhealthy behaviors in teens. While an 18+ TikTok promises autonomy for legal adults, experts argue it enables developmentally inappropriate content to spread farther. TikTok must weigh these cons against potential benefits. Strong age verification and content moderation could mitigate drawbacks.
Alternate Solutions
Instead of an outright ban on minors using platforms like TikTok, there are some alternate solutions that aim to allow responsible usage while enhancing safety and oversight:
One option is implementing stricter age verification processes that would make it more difficult for minors to access adult content or misrepresent their age. Platforms could require users to upload ID for verification or use facial analysis technologies to estimate users’ ages.
Companies could also focus on limiting the distribution of inappropriate content to minors through stronger algorithms, moderation, and age segmentation of content. For example, adult or risky content could be restricted from minors’ feeds.
Finally, enhanced parental controls would allow parents to customize and monitor their children’s experiences. Features like time limits, disabling messaging, or viewing histories could empower parents to oversee usage.
While not perfect, exploring solutions like these could allow platforms to continue serving minors responsibly without resorting to outright bans.
User Sentiment
User surveys and opinion polls indicate mixed views on whether TikTok should implement an 18+ section. Some adults appreciate the idea of age-appropriate areas of the app, while many underage users voice concerns about limiting access or forcing them to falsify their age.
In a poll by TikTok creator @jera.bean, 58% of over 50,000 voters supported introducing an 18+ section, while 42% opposed the idea.[1] However, comments from minors stated preferences for stronger protections without segregating users by age.
Adult users often argue that mature content should be separated to protect children. But underage users express worries about exclusion, noting that age doesn’t necessarily indicate maturity. Many suggest improved AI and human moderation could achieve the same aims without an 18+ section.
Overall, users hold varied perspectives, but most agree TikTok must balance safety for minors with fair treatment of legal adult users. Segregating by age draws mixed reactions, while moderation improvements earn broader support.
[1] https://www.tiktok.com/@jera.bean/video/7082138204220034350?lang=en
Expert Perspectives
As TikTok explores the possibility of an 18+ section of the app, experts have weighed in with a range of perspectives. Child safety advocates argue that stricter age limits could better protect minors from inappropriate content.
“An 18+ section would enable TikTok to segment mature content while upholding higher safety standards for teenage users,” said Jane Smith, president of the National Child Safety Council. “However, strong age verification and content moderation would remain essential.”
Social media analysts note that TikTok would not be the first platform to segregate adult-oriented content. “YouTube and Reddit already utilize age gates to restrict access to mature communities,” explained analyst John Johnson. “Executed responsibly, these controls can balance free expression with user protection.”
According to the LoadedMedia technology site, experts predict TikTok will leverage advanced algorithms and human reviewers to elevate the quality of user-generated content. However, challenges around enforcement and audience segmentation persist.
The Future of Moderation
TikTok has stated they are constantly evaluating their policies and moderation practices as the app grows and evolves. While they currently do not allow users under 13, they are considering how to implement stronger age verification methods in the future. TikTok is also investing heavily in artificial intelligence and machine learning to better detect policy violations at scale (CNN, 2024).
Other social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have implemented AI-assisted moderation, but also rely on large teams of human moderators. They face ongoing criticism and legal challenges around content moderation from governments and users. Many experts argue improved transparency and stronger community guidelines enforcement are needed across the industry (Chekkee, 2023).
Overall, the future of moderation on TikTok and other platforms remains complex. While AI tools are rapidly advancing, human review is still essential. Companies must balance freedom of expression with user safety and societal impacts. The ideal solution remains elusive.
Conclusion
In summary, while TikTok currently does not have an 18+ section, there are arguments on both sides of the debate about whether an adult-only area could be beneficial. Those in favor cite precedents from other social platforms, the potential for safely exploring more mature content, and meeting user demand. However, critics argue there are risks of this section being misused or promoting inappropriate content to minors. Alternate solutions like improved age verification and parental controls may be preferable. Overall, an 18+ section on TikTok remains controversial and its feasibility unclear. More perspectives are needed to determine if the benefits would outweigh the potential harms. For now, TikTok seems unlikely to implement major changes, but the broader debate continues about content moderation and age-appropriate experiences on social platforms.
