The rise of TikTok has revolutionized the way we consume social media, but with its rapid growth comes increasing scrutiny. Recently, 13 US states have filed a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the platform of negatively impacting the mental health of children due to its addictive nature. The case, filed in New York, highlights several key features that make TikTok particularly harmful to young users: autoplay functionality, frequent notifications, beauty filters, and dangerous viral challenges.
The Addictive Nature of TikTok’s Algorithm
TikTok’s success lies in its highly engaging algorithm, which curates content based on a user’s preferences and viewing habits. Videos are short, easy to consume, and keep users hooked by showing more of what they like. This creates a dopamine-driven feedback loop similar to substance addiction. The more children scroll, the more they crave, resulting in prolonged screen time. On average, users spend about 95 minutes a day on TikTok, with children and teenagers being particularly vulnerable to its effects.
This constant scrolling and endless flow of videos not only wastes time but also disrupts sleep patterns and lowers attention spans. Notifications that pop up at any time entice children to return to the app, even when they should be resting. Autoplay, another feature, ensures that users are stuck in a continuous loop without needing to actively scroll, further contributing to excessive usage.
Impact on Mental Health: Filters and Dangerous Challenges
TikTok’s beauty filters also raise significant concerns. These filters, which alter appearance and promote unrealistic beauty standards, have been linked to lower self-esteem, especially in children and teens. As they use these filters to “enhance” their appearance, young users may develop distorted perceptions of self-worth and physical beauty.
Additionally, TikTok’s viral challenges—some harmless, others dangerous—pose a serious risk. Over the years, some children have been injured or even lost their lives attempting risky challenges in pursuit of likes and followers. The lawsuit argues that TikTok must be held accountable for promoting harmful content that endangers its young users.
A Global Phenomenon With Widespread Influence
TikTok, launched in 2016, has grown into the fastest-growing social media platform with over a billion active users worldwide, including 170 million in the US alone. Despite claims that the app requires users to be at least 13 years old to sign up, reports indicate that a significant portion of TikTok’s user base consists of children younger than 13. In some regions, children as young as 5 are using the app, raising questions about proper enforcement of age restrictions and parental control measures.
A Broader Social Media Problem
While TikTok is currently in the spotlight, the issues it presents are not unique to the platform. Social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat are also known for their addictive qualities and negative impact on children’s mental health. A 2021 report revealed that Instagram contributes to body image issues and eating disorders among teenage girls, while Snapchat has been linked to an increase in online grooming crimes against children.
So why is TikTok facing this lawsuit while other platforms are not? The answer may lie in TikTok’s Chinese ownership. The app’s parent company, ByteDance, has long been accused of spying and potential interference, leading to national security concerns in the US. While TikTok has been banned in several countries, including India, it remains a hotly debated issue in America.
Selective Action: A Need for Broader Accountability
Critics argue that while TikTok should be held accountable, the same level of scrutiny should apply to American-owned platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, which also negatively affect children’s mental health. Selective action against TikTok, some believe, may be motivated more by geopolitical tensions than a genuine concern for child safety.
If US leaders are truly committed to protecting children’s mental health, they must address the addictive nature of all social media platforms, not just TikTok. Until that happens, the battle against the harms of social media addiction will remain incomplete.
Conclusion: Protecting Children in a Digital Age
The lawsuit against TikTok marks an important step in addressing the harmful effects of social media on children. However, for meaningful change to occur, a broader, more consistent approach is needed across all platforms that engage young users. As social media continues to evolve, it is critical that companies prioritize user well-being, especially when it comes to the most vulnerable: children and teens.
