TikTok has become immensely popular among students in recent years. The app allows users to create and share short videos, often set to music. TikTok’s growth has been astronomical, with over 1 billion monthly active users as of 2021.
Among younger demographics, TikTok engagement is especially high. Over 60% of TikTok users are between the ages of 10 and 29. With its playful content and viral trends, TikTok has become a part of daily life for many students.
However, TikTok’s popularity among students has also raised concerns about inconsistent content quality and potential distractions from academics. Some educators worry TikTok promotes short attention spans and mindless entertainment over learning. Others caution that students may be exposed to inappropriate content.
Debates continue over whether TikTok is a harmless source of fun or poses risks to students’ development and education. This article will explore the effects of TikTok usage on various aspects of students’ lives.
Benefits
TikTok can provide some benefits for students when used appropriately. It allows students to express their creativity through creating short videos on various topics (Gonzales, 2020). The app is centered around viewing and creating entertaining video content, which can help students destress and take healthy study breaks (Murthy, 2022). Additionally, there is some educational content on TikTok that can supplement or introduce new topics in an engaging, easy-to-digest manner (Gonzales, 2020). However, the benefits depend greatly on how the app is used – consuming entertaining content in moderation versus extensive use can have very different effects.
Sources:
Gonzales, R. (2020). TikTok – Not Just Another Silly App But An Actual Learning Tool. Eduloco. https://www.eduloco.com/tiktok-not-just-another-silly-app-but-an-actual-learning-tool/
Murthy, D. (2022). TikTok for Teachers: A Look at Using TikTok in the Classroom. Grand Canyon University. https://www.gcu.edu/blog/teaching-school-administration/look-at-using-tiktok-classroom
Harms
One of the most widely discussed harms of TikTok for students is that it can be highly addictive and lead to excessive screen time. Researchers have found TikTok’s algorithm is designed to keep users engaged on the platform for extended periods through autoplaying videos and personalized recommendations (https://www.qeios.com). This can cause students to spend hours mindlessly scrolling through TikTok when they should be studying or sleeping. One survey found that 22% of students reported TikTok impacted their ability to concentrate on schoolwork (https://www.cbsnews.com).
Another major concern is that TikTok’s algorithm can expose students to inappropriate or explicit content. Without strong parental controls, students may encounter content related to self-harm, drug use, sexuality, or other mature themes on their For You feed (https://www.amnesty.org). This type of content can negatively influence students’ values and behaviors.
Finally, TikTok promotes procrastination and distracts students from their studies. The constant stream of entertainment videos makes it difficult for students to focus on schoolwork or extracurricular activities. One study found students who used TikTok heavily had lower GPAs on average (https://www.qeios.com). TikTok’s addictive nature clearly competes with students’ academic responsibilities.
Learning
TikTok can have both positive and negative effects on students’ learning. On the one hand, the short videos appeal to visual learners and some students find educational TikToks help reinforce concepts (Mekler, 2021). TikTok offers bite-sized explainers that can simplify complex topics through fun sketches, sounds, visuals, and text (Regasa, 2023). Students report finding it easier to pay attention to short videos rather than lengthy textbook readings or lectures.
However, some studies raise concerns that frequent TikTok use may reduce students’ attention spans and harm deeper learning. The constant stream of short, entertaining videos conditions students to favor quick bursts over sustained focus (Mekler, 2021). This could make it challenging to concentrate during longer classes or study sessions. TikTok’s algorithm is designed to keep users continuously scrolling, which may undermine students’ abilities to engage in prolonged critical thinking or analysis.
More research is needed to determine the net effects of TikTok on different types of learning and students. In moderation, it may provide engaging educational content. But excessive use could impair students’ attention spans, retention, and study habits.
Mental Health
TikTok’s algorithm can reinforce negative thought patterns by promoting content related to depression, anxiety, eating disorders and other mental health issues to vulnerable users (CNN, 2023). This is concerning as algorithms play a big role in determining what content users see on the platform.
One study found that TikTok may surface potentially harmful content related to suicide and eating disorders (CNN, 2023). Viewing this type of content can normalize and glamorize harmful behaviors for young users.
Cyberbullying and social comparison on TikTok also foster poor self-image and low self-esteem. According to research, the app’s focus on beauty and appearance has been linked to body image issues and disordered eating in teens (Children’s Society, 2023). Young users comparing themselves to “perfect” influencers and creators can damage self-confidence.
Privacy
TikTok has faced criticism over data privacy concerns due to its data collection practices. There are worries that the app collects an excessive amount of user data, including browsing history, location, and biometric data, that could be accessed by the Chinese government (What to Know About the TikTok Security Concerns, 2023). TikTok’s privacy policy reveals it collects a wide range of user information and some experts argue it is more intrusive than competing apps (“TikTok Is Raising National Security, Privacy Concerns. Should Educators Steer Clear?”, 2023).
In addition, the direct messaging feature on TikTok has raised concerns about stranger danger, as it allows communication with strangers which could facilitate bullying or grooming. TikTok does have some safety features like restricting messages from accounts users don’t follow, but experts recommend parents monitor kids’ use and enable privacy settings (What to Know About the TikTok Security Concerns, 2023).
Socializing
TikTok allows students to connect with peers and make new friends through the app’s social features like duets, reactions, and live streams (“Is TikTok Connecting Teens?”). This can help students feel more connected and reduce feelings of isolation. However, excessive TikTok use can displace in-person relationships and interactions. A 2021 study found that students who used TikTok heavily reported poorer quality friendships and greater feelings of loneliness (Sun et al.). While TikTok facilitates online connections, it should not replace face-to-face socializing which is important for teens’ social development and mental health.
Physical Health
TikTok encourages users to participate in physical challenges and dance trends, which can promote physical activity and exercise. Videos demonstrating dance moves, workout challenges, and other physical activities inspire users to get up and move, rather than remaining sedentary (Ramsden, 2024). However, excessive use of the app can also contribute to more sedentary behavior, as users scroll through videos for hours on end. One study found that students who use TikTok for more than 2 hours per day are less likely to participate in sports and physical activities (Ramsden, 2024).
While dance challenges promote movement, remaining glued to the screen for long periods can be detrimental. Moderation is key – using TikTok to find engaging physical activities, without letting it replace real-world exercise. As one expert summarized: “TikTok can inspire you to get up and move, but don’t let it lead to hours of sitting on the couch scrolling” (Ramsden, 2024).
Academic Integrity
TikTok’s focus on viral content raises concerns about academic integrity. The pressure to create viral videos may encourage students to take shortcuts like plagiarizing or cheating. As an example, some students have copied answers or essay text into TikTok videos without proper attribution, violating academic honesty policies (source). The ease of sharing short videos makes it tempting for students to misuse others’ work. At the same time, the collaborative nature of TikTok can facilitate positive sharing of academic topics when done ethically. Overall, educators need to have conversations with students about avoiding misconduct and properly crediting sources when creating academic content for social media.
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok can provide benefits for students such as supporting learning, enabling creativity and self-expression, and facilitating social connections. However, there are also risks including negative impacts on mental health, privacy concerns, and potential for inappropriate or harmful content.
To promote responsible use, students should be mindful of screen time and take breaks, be cautious about sharing personal information, make accounts private, avoid unwanted interactions by limiting comments and messages, and seek out positive role models to follow. Parents and educators play a key role in guiding students towards safe and ethical social media engagement. With awareness and care, the positives of TikTok can be harnessed while mitigating associated risks.
