Let me preface by telling you that I am not going to sit back on my high horse and point out all the wrongdoings of those who give in to the monopoly of the TikTok empire. I will be the first to admit that I have a TikTok, and that I do enjoy scrolling through my 'For You' page and watching funny videos sent by my friends. However, I limit my screen time on the app, so I can't say that I've ever spent hours on the app in the way that seems to be common among other users. I am not here to lecture you on your decision to spend your precious time scrolling through the endless stream of skinny 16 year old boys dancing in their LED lights- lined bedroom; I just want you to be aware of the effect that it may have on your well being and mental health.
First of all, the amount of screen time that this app induces is entirely unhealthy on its own. In the time that one person could spend taking a walk outside or baking cookies with their friends, another person could make a single TikTok. Spending hours at end on an electronic device is bad for your eyes, and often gives you a painful headaches. Further, your brain is not being stimulated when you mindlessly stare at a screen, and therefore continuous hours of decreased brain activity are not beneficial.
A major point of concern revolves around the current problem of social media and its negative influence on mental health. We are warned of the filtered aspect of Instagram, and how it unrealistically showcases the highest points of people's lives. If you imagine the causes of anxiety from social media in terms of a murder mystery, Instagram would be the butler who is expected to have committed the crime, and TikTok would be the unsuspecting sweet neighbor whom everyone assumed was too sweet and innocent to do anything wrong.
Because of its relatable, unfiltered nature, it seems like everything on TikTok is as genuine as it appears to be. Therefore, it is even more harmful to compare ourselves to all the seemingly flawless girls on TikTok who have interesting relationship stories and thoughtful parents, because it seems so real. However, it is necessary for us to remember that the video that you are seeing was most likely not the first of its kind: TikTok is no different from Instagram in the sense that people still want to present themselves in the best way possible.
Unfortunately, with the newest major update to TikTok practically allowing a full on facial change, our self-esteem is certainly doomed. Now, this ability to completely alter one's face and make it as maximally perfect as possible with a string of various sculpting and makeup filters, is raising the standards for beauty on TikTok to be just as high as they are on Instagram. And, if you think about the number of young, easily influenced children that there are on the app, you can begin to see just how dangerous this can be.
Unfortunately, apps like TikTok are exposing young children to mature content that a developing mind is not ready for. There is a very weak, ineffective system in place to filter out explicit or inappropriate videos, and therefore videos made by creators of all ages are easily accessible. Children are growing up with TikTok influencers as their role models, and if not for the right reasons, there will be great repercussions in the future.
I cannot tell you how to spend your free time or live your life. But, in light of all the detrimental effects that can impose themselves on your mental well-being from this app, I can offer you some advice: send the funny TikTok to your friend, laugh at your family's attempt to do the Blinding Lights Challenge, but also go outside and do activities that stimulate your brain and a happier, healthier you.
