TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users globally as of September 2022 (https://www.statista.com/statistics/1304039/tiktok-global-mau/). The app allows users to create, share, and discover short-form videos ranging from 3 to 60 seconds on any topic. TikTok’s popularity has skyrocketed, particularly among young audiences. The company reports that about 60% of its active users are between the ages of 16 and 24. In 2021, TikTok surpassed Google to become the most visited website in the world (https://www.cloudflare.com/en-gb/year-in-review/2021/). This massive growth and popularity, especially among teenagers, has caused concern among some parents, educators, and policymakers around issues like online safety, privacy, and mental health.
Privacy Concerns
TikTok has faced scrutiny over its data collection policies and privacy practices. According to Kaspersky, TikTok collects an extensive amount of personal data including users’ locations, ages, phone numbers, browsing histories, and contacts (Kaspersky). A study by JSTOR also found that in TikTok’s early years, user data was sent to and processed in China, raising questions about government access (JSTOR). TikTok’s privacy policy states that they may collect information like IP address, device IDs, browsing history, and location data. While TikTok claims they store U.S. user data in the U.S. and Singapore servers now, privacy advocates argue their data collection practices remain invasive.
Moderation Challenges
As a platform with over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok faces significant challenges in moderating user-generated content to remove harmful or inappropriate material.[1] Given the massive amount of content uploaded daily, TikTok relies heavily on artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect policy violations at scale. However, these automated systems are imperfect and some inappropriate content can slip through the cracks initially.
In particular, critics have pointed out issues with extremist content, hate speech, and material promoting self-harm or dangerous challenges managing to spread on TikTok before being identified and removed.[2] The company has expanded its content moderation teams and policies, but acknowledges ongoing challenges in enforcing its guidelines consistently given TikTok’s size and growth.
Account Security
One of the biggest concerns with TikTok is the potential for accounts to be hacked or stolen. There have been numerous reports of users having their TikTok accounts hacked and stolen, often by hackers who then sell the accounts or use them to run scams (source). TikTok accounts with lots of followers are especially vulnerable and can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the black market.
There are a few key ways that TikTok accounts get compromised. One common method is through phishing links – hackers send messages or comments containing links designed to steal login credentials. Reused or weak passwords also make accounts an easy target. Finally, some hackers exploit security flaws in TikTok to gain access to accounts.
To protect accounts, experts recommend enabling two-factor authentication, using strong unique passwords, being vigilant against phishing attempts, and limiting visibility of videos and profile information (source). Parents should also monitor children’s accounts and educate them on account security best practices. While no security is foolproof, taking proactive measures can help safeguard TikTok accounts.
Parental Controls
TikTok offers some parental control options to help parents protect their children while using the app. Parents can use TikTok’s Family Pairing feature, which allows parents to link their TikTok account to their child’s account (Bark, 2022). This gives parents the ability to restrict certain features, limit screentime, and restrict exposure to certain types of content.
Through Family Pairing, parents can restrict Direct Messages so strangers cannot contact their child. They can also limit screentime and restrict access during certain times of day, like bedtime. Additionally, parents can restrict the appearance of content that may be inappropriate using TikTok’s Restricted Mode (NY Times, 2022). This can filter out more mature content.
While parental controls are limited, utilizing these options can help parents monitor their child’s activity and set some boundaries on TikTok usage. However, direct supervision is still recommended given the nature of the platform.
Predators and Grooming
One of the most concerning issues surrounding TikTok is the potential for children and teens to be targeted by predators. TikTok has faced scrutiny over its challenges stopping adults from contacting and grooming minors on the platform.
Grooming refers to the process by which a predator builds trust with a child through manipulation and deception, with the goal of sexual abuse or exploitation. This can involve showering the child with attention, gifts, or compliments, and gradually normalizing inappropriate behaviors.
While grooming often begins subtly, it can escalate over time to explicit conversations, requests for inappropriate photos, and attempts to meet in person. According to experts, the addictive nature of TikTok along with features like direct messaging create an environment ripe for grooming.
TikTok has implemented some safeguards, like preventing direct messaging for younger users. However, critics argue current protections remain insufficient to prevent grooming, particularly for vulnerable youth.
Some concerning examples on TikTok have included adults tricking children into providing personal information through videos and messages. There is also a risk that some users lie about their age to contact underage users.
Overall, many child safety advocates warn that TikTok requires substantial improvements in moderation and age verification to better detect and deter grooming attempts through the platform.
Mental Health Impacts
TikTok’s short-form video format can negatively impact mental health in various ways. One major concern is its potential to lower self-esteem, especially among young users. The constant comparisons to others and fixation on vanity metrics like followers and likes can lead to negative social comparisons and feelings of inadequacy (source).
Additionally, TikTok’s endless scroll feature makes the app highly addictive. The algorithm learns user preferences quickly and serves up personalized content to keep people watching endlessly. This can lead to compulsive use and addiction symptoms (source). The constant novelty and entertainment can disrupt sleep habits as well, as users spend more time at night on the app.
Challenges and Dares
TikTok has become home to dangerous viral challenges and dares that encourage risky behavior among youths. Some concerning trends that have emerged include the skull breaker challenge, in which people trick someone into jumping so they can kick their legs out, the blackout challenge that promotes choking yourself to pass out, and the fire challenge which involves setting yourself on fire. According to one report, a Pakistani security guard accidentally shot his colleague while filming a TikTok video imitating a popular movie stunt [1]. These viral stunts prey on teens’ desire for social approval and views, often disregarding safety.
Some medical experts argue TikTok challenges promote self-harm and life-threatening behavior [2]. The app’s algorithm can quickly amplify dangerous content, and youth may feel pressure to participate. While TikTok claims it works to remove inappropriate challenges, new ones continue to emerge. Parents are encouraged to have open conversations about online safety and using good judgment when engaging with viral stunts.
Counterpoint and Mitigating Factors
While TikTok does face challenges around safety and security, the company has taken significant steps to improve protections, especially for younger users. In December 2022, TikTok announced plans to strengthen safety and security by expanding their trust and safety team to over 40,000 employees. The company has also introduced new policies like prohibiting unauthorized access to accounts, systems or data as outlined in February 2022 announcement. In April 2022, TikTok shared new initiatives to foster kindness and safety on the platform.
While risks remain, TikTok appears committed to ongoing improvements to protect users, especially younger audiences. Parents should still monitor use and utilize available controls, but the platform is actively working to address concerns.
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok does pose some legitimate safety concerns that are important to consider. The app collects a significant amount of user data and has faced criticism over its privacy practices. Moderating content at TikTok’s massive scale is an enormous challenge, and inappropriate or dangerous material can slip through the cracks. There have been issues reported around weak account security and predators targeting young users. The app can also expose teens to inappropriate challenges and impact mental health.
However, TikTok has also implemented safeguards in response to many of these concerns. Parents can enable restrictive settings, filters, and take advantage of tools like screen time limits. The app does remove policy-violating content at a high rate. User accounts are private by default for young teens. TikTok does seem more cognizant of its responsibilities now versus a few years ago.
In the end, while TikTok is likely not the most dangerous social media platform, and improvements have been made, parents should still approach it with caution. There are reasonable concerns about data, security, content moderation, and potential harms that merit close monitoring and restrictions for younger users. TikTok requires vigilant parental supervision and thoughtful use to enjoy it more safely.
