Dmacc Mass Media Rsearch

The Impact of TikTok

By:Adison Nichol

About the Popular App; TikTok

TikTok is increasing in popularity quickly with 1.05 billion active users as of April 27, 2023. (TikTok Statistics).This app allows users to create short videos. Creators can add sound, text, filters and music to their videos. The “For You” page is the main place where users watch videos based on their interests. Some videos include dancing, some are informative videos, or for entertainment, but there are many different types of videos.

The Positive Impacts of TikTok

TikTok is said to "enable your mind and beliefs," (Pennsylvania State University).

TikTok is a creative outlet for many people to be themselves and express themselves through the videos they create. Along with this comes the potential of earning a profit while creating these videos. Many people actually have a career out of making these videos.

TikTok can be used as a promotional tool for businesses, music, writing, and so much more.

According to a November 2021 study conducted for TikTok by the music-analytics company MRC Data, songs that trend on TikTok often end up charting on the Billboard 100 or Spotify Viral 50. And 67% of the app's users are more likely to seek out songs on music-streaming services after hearing them on TikTok, (Business Insider).

Why is TikTok a Good Thing?

TikTok provides people with a source of entertainment, a way to connect with people, spread information, and learn new information. It can also be a way of relaxation for some.

Craig Richards PhD from Shenandoah University, explains that scrolling on TikTok can be a way to reduce stress by giving one's brain a break and a time to "do nothing."

Richards also explains that our brains release dopamine while watching these videos, in which lowers heart rate, leading to relaxation.

Rebecca Lockwood, a neurologist, states that watching TikTok can put us in a state of calmness.

(Psychreg)

TikTok is Also a Negative Platform

Studies have shown that TikTok has a direct correlation with mental illness, (Pennsylvania State University).

According to an article found on the Cyberbullying research Center's page, TikTok creates an algorithm based on what it has evidence that one likes to watch, which can potentially lead to addictive behaviors. "The app's emphasis on short-form video content has been criticized for contributing to a culture of superficiality and short attention spans."

The Negative Impact of TikTok

Like all social media platforms, TikTok can harm one's self esteem and confidence. Seeing others with perfect bodies, people who appear perfect, and seeing people live the 'perfect life' can damage one's confidence.

TikTok has many filters, luckily the video typically displays that a filter is being used, but even then, one's judgement can get in the way, and they can start comparing themselves to others.

TikTok also has a beauty filter, in which hides people's flaws almost perfectly. However influencers, like Alix Earle, have come out and shown their skin with and without the beauty filter to make sure people understand that everything on TikTok isn't real life.

Overall Impact TikTok Has on Society

TikTok, overall, has had a great impact on society. After the app started increasing in popularity when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, TikTok has been on an upward slope.

TikTok can be fun, a way for people to express themselves, promote their brand, business, and music, develop a career, find passions, learn things and meet new people.

According to CNN, extreme use of TikTok can lead to depression. CNN also states that the company has removed many videos of self harm, dangerous activities, and triggering topics to help with this.

TikTok has a long list of positves and negatives. There is no knowing if the positives outweigh the negatives, or not, so for now, TikTok remains one of the most popular social media platforms.

Geyser, Werner. "What Is TikTok?- Everything You Need to Know in 2023." Influencer marketing, 30 December 2022.

Hinduja, Sameer. "TikTok: Pros, Cons, and Promise of Youth Empowerment." Cyberbulling Research center.

Pursel, Bart. "The Effects of TikTok." Pennsylvania State University, 8 September 2022.

Ruby, Daniel. "TikTok Statistics For Marketers in 2023." Demand Sage, 27 April 2023.

Whateley, Dan. "How TikTok is Changing the Music Industry." Business Insider, 27 April 2023.

"Why Watching TikTok can be Beneficial for Your Mental Health." Psychreg, 18, October 2021.

Yurkevich, Vanessa. "Why Experts Worry TikTok Could Add to Mental Health Crisis Among US Teens. CNN Business, 11 January 2023.

Works Cited