There is a substance that can cause someone to be addicted within 35 minutes of use. It is not ingested or physically taken. But, visually, users scroll and scroll, and before long they are stuck on it. Between its algorithm and short-form easy-to-take-in content, TikTok can become an addiction in under an hour. An addiction so strong most don’t even realize they have it.
“Internal documents found the company was aware of its many features designed to keep young people on the app,” states NPR’s “TikTok executives know about the app’s effect on teens, lawsuit documents allege.”
Young people may be unaware of this, so scrolling the app seems like harmless fun to them. It is also something entertaining while they are bored or have free time.
“TikTok determined the precise amount of viewing to take for someone to form a habit, 260, according to state investigators,” states NPR.
With how short the videos on the app are a person can well exceed this number of videos in one sitting.
“In under 35 minutes, an average user is likely to become addicted,” NPR states.
The battle between parents and children on time usage in social media has been happening since it was created, and the thoughts of the parents seem to still have similar views as theirs before them.
“I guess it is probably how my mother felt about me watching TV when I was kid; it’s just another form of entertainment that they use. Is it good or bad? I hope it can be better than bad,” guidance counselor Ann Ragus said.
The consequences of the app can be hefty, not only affecting a single person with the use of TikTok, but affecting thousands of young people all over the world.
“It’s ruining attention spans because of how short the content is,” senior Oliver Maxson said.
But with so many cons, what are the benefits of an app that is designed to cause an addiction in its consumers?
“My daughter learns about political things because she’s in college. In TikTok these short bits are quick knowledge,” Ragus said.
Many see a problem in the addiction that is forming and are trying to find ways to put an end to it.
“The solution with TikTok and phones is that it is an adult problem. They need to help kids figure out how to manage their phones,” Ragus said.
Negative Aspects of TikTok by Hailey Rodriguez
