TikTok Addiction is Real. Get Help for Social Media Addiction
Author:
Jonathan
Published:
Jul 19, 2024
,
05:44 p.m.
ET
Updated:
Sep 16, 2024
,
03:11 p.m.
ET
TikTok is commonly associated with Gen Z but attracts people of all ages. It’s also been found to be the most addictive social media platform, according to a 2022 study from Frontiers in Psychology Journal. TikTok has short videos, most of which are less than 60 seconds.
This makes for endless scrolling. Most users are unaware of how much time they spend on the app. Some individuals might feel frustrated or stressed when they’re not using it. A TikTok addiction is about more than just being dependent on the app.
TikTok use can negatively many aspects of a person’s life. It can lead to impulsiveness and mood changes. Even though TikTok addiction isn’t an official condition, it’s still associated with internet addiction disorder (IAD) and social media addiction.
Why is TikTok so addictive?
The reason why TikTok is so addictive is that it offers a steady stream of video content. It also uses eye-catching captions to attract the user’s attention. The short videos distort the user’s perception of time. They’re unaware of how much time they spend on the app.
In addition, TikTok prides itself on creating an online community, which can contribute to addiction. Experts at the private rehab clinic, Delamare, shared their insights with Health Tech Digital on what makes the social media app so addicting. Each short-form video is targeted towards individuals rather than overall users.
TikTok has a “For You Page” tailored to each user. This makes TikTok different from Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, which have a generic algorithm. This feature establishes an emotional connection with users, which makes the app more appealing. The “For You” page allows users to scroll the target content for hours.
Another feature of TikTok is the use of short video content. People get euphoria and joy from watching short bursts of entertainment. They try to get those feelings back by watching as many videos as possible, leading to a TikTok addiction.
Signs of TikTok & social media addiction
Social media addiction causes serious emotional and mental consequences. It can manifest in different ways. Individuals who struggle with social media and TikTok addiction might experience some of the following signs:
Anxiety, anger, or frustration when not using social media
Inability to cut back, reduce time spent, or quit the platform
Increased thoughts about using social media
Increased time spent on TikTok to feel the desired effect felt during the original use
Mood swings and changes
Neglected responsibilities from increased social media use
The addiction can also cause co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Some individuals use the app to avoid feelings of hopelessness and loneliness. It could also cause some people to lose touch with reality and their surroundings.
Individuals might disconnect from themselves, others, and real-life events. Those who struggle with TikTok addiction use the platform to escape from their problems.
Treatment options for TikTok & social media addiction
Social media addiction may not be recognized as an official diagnosis. However, treatments for both TikTok addiction and social media addiction are available. Treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), group therapy, and motivational interviewing (MI).
These treatments can occur within an inpatient or outpatient setting, as well as virtual treatment options. Individuals who undergo social media addiction meet with a therapist, who specializes in this behavioral addiction.
Licensed therapists are trained to help those with co-occurring mental health problems. There are some different options for how to connect with Birches, depending on what you’re looking for:
Inside the treatment process for social media addiction
Treatment starts with a medical diagnosis. The individual undergoes an assessment to determine their condition. Only a healthcare provider or mental health professional can give an official diagnosis. They will use this diagnosis to determine the level of care. Treatment depends on the severity of the addiction, including any co-occurring mental health problems or substance abuse problems.
A licensed clinician works with the individual to address the root cause of their social media addiction. If they are struggling with body image issues or mental health problems, the clinician will work on those matters as well. Treatment is determined by the individual’s unique struggles and goals.
If the social media addiction disturbed the individual’s appetite, health, sleep, work, and personal life, the mental health professional might suggest residential treatment. This also helps those with severe mental illness or substance abuse issues. This treatment involves 24-hour care in a regulated area without outside triggers.
Push to ban TikTok in the United States: Latest news
According to The New York Times, the U.S. government has been pushing to ban TikTok. Lawmakers expressed numerous concerns with the app, including its impact on children’s mental health and privacy concerns. The algorithm could promote harmful content such as eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide.
Additionally, TikTok’s features could encourage excessive use. The infinite scroll features keep users engaged for long periods. Studies have also shown that social media harms mental health. Lawmakers are concerned that the algorithm and features have contributed to the teen mental health crisis in the U.S.
TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, could also give sensitive user data to the Chinese government. There are also concerns that the app could spread misinformation. In 2020, India became one of the first countries to ban TikTok in 2020. The country also banned close to one hundred of other Chinese-owned businesses, reports Atlantic Council.
The Indian government argued that these apps sent sensitive information to foreign servers. Other countries followed suit, including Australia, Britain’s Parliament, Canada, the European Union, France, and New Zealand’s Parliament. Taiwan previously declared TikTok a dangerous app and a national security threat.
ByteDance has months to sell its company. It could take a year for the ban to go into effect. However, the court challenges could make it take several years. This would be the first time TikTok would prevent federal legislation from going into effect.
Sources:
Mythbusting: TikTok Is Not Just a Gen–Z Play | Power Digital
