The dark side of TikTok

TikTok, the popular short-form video app, has had a significant impact on today's society, particularly among younger generations. While the app can be a fun and entertaining platform with over 1 billion users, it also has several negative effects that should not be overlooked.?

One of the most prominent concerns is the potential for cyberbullying. The confidentiality of the internet allows malicious users to hide behind their screens and harass others. Whilst this is true for all social media platforms, TikTok stands heads and shoulders above the others. The app's comments and direct messaging features make it easy for bullies to send harmful messages to their victims. This can have serious consequences for the mental health and well-being of those affected, leading to feelings of isolation and depression.?

Another negative effect of TikTok is the spread of misinformation. The app allows anyone to upload videos and share information, which means that there is no way to verify the accuracy of the information being shared. Research has shown that 1 in 5 videos on news-related topics contain inaccurate information. This can lead to spreading fear and panic or even endangering lives. Recent examples include videos on the Covid vaccine, the war between Russia and Ukraine and the endorsement of harmful products by influencers. ?

TikTok has also been condemned for the way it collects and uses data from its users. Data points such as geographical location, browsing history, and other personal information is collected. TikTok has been accused of passing this information on to third parties without the user's consent. This raises serious concerns about privacy and security risks which could lead to data breaches and identity theft. ???

Apart from the impact on individuals, there is the potential for national security issues. TikTok is owned by the Chinese company, ByteDance, with suspected links to the Chinese National Government Party.?Chinese legislation allows its government to access sensitive company information, which can result in intelligence gathering and propaganda dissemination on a global scale. TikTok has either been banned or restricted in over 50 countries.

Moreover, TikTok has also been criticised for its impact on the mental health of its users. The app's algorithm is designed to keep users on the platform for as long as possible, which can lead to addiction and an unhealthy obsession with likes and followers. There is a very famous psychology experiment called the Skinner Rat Box experiment. Rats were put in a box, and every time they pressed a lever, they were given either a large, small or no treat. Unlike the rats that received the same treatment daily, the rats that received variable rewards would press the lever compulsively. This is the same strategy that TikTok applies to keep their users addicted. Instead of giving the user the videos they want to see, they keep the users searching for another dopamine rush.???

The pressures of social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, particularly among younger people who are trying to find their place in society. The constant need for validation from other people can also result in a?warped sense of self-worth, which can harm the mental health of users.

In conclusion, TikTok is a social media platform that has its benefits and can be used for good. (like a scalpel in the hands of a surgeon not a serial killer). However, based on my experience and the research of industry experts it is a Pandora's box better left unopened.?

Written by: Matthew Rosewarne (Grade 12)