The Rise of TikTok Addiction: What You Need to Know

In the fast-paced world of social media, where viral trends come and go in the blink of an eye, a new phenomenon has emerged: TikTok addiction. A recent study sheds light on this growing concern, revealing the behaviors and symptoms associated with excessive TikTok use.

Led by Troy Smith from the University of Trinidad and Tobago, the study delved into the addictive nature of TikTok by adapting the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale, a tool commonly used to measure addiction to the popular social media platform.

Unlike other well-studied social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Now, X), TikTok's addictive potential has been relatively understudied. However, the study's findings suggest that the platform can indeed foster compulsive behavior among its users.

Analyzing data from 354 college students, including both TikTok and Facebook users, the researchers found a significant correlation between intensive TikTok use and addiction-like behaviors. A notable percentage fell into the categories of "low risk" and "at-risk."

The adapted version of the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale, which replaced "Facebook" with "TikTok," revealed key criteria for identifying TikTok addiction. These criteria include obsessive thoughts about TikTok, an increasing urge to use the app, using TikTok as a coping mechanism, unsuccessful attempts to cut down usage, experiencing negative emotions when deprived of access, and the app negatively impacting daily life.

Dr. Smith emphasized that while similarities exist between addictive processes on Facebook and TikTok, there are significant differences in manifestation and predictors. Notably, TikTok addiction can lead to nervousness, irritability, anxiety, or feelings of sadness when users are unable to access the app.

Commenting on the study's implications, Nuno Albuquerque, Consultant Treatment Lead for the UK Addiction Treatment Group, highlighted the real-world impact of social media addiction, especially in the context of the pandemic. With society increasingly reliant on online platforms for work and personal interactions, the line between harmless enjoyment and addiction becomes blurred.

Albuquerque emphasized the importance of tailored treatment approaches for social media addiction, focusing on individual triggers, setting boundaries, and promoting real-life interactions to combat feelings of loneliness.

In response to these concerns, TikTok stated its commitment to supporting user well-being, implementing measures such as in-feed reminders to take breaks, limiting evening push notifications for younger users, and enabling parents to manage screen time through Family Pairing features.

As TikTok continues to captivate users worldwide, it's essential to remain vigilant about the potential risks of excessive use. By raising awareness and implementing targeted interventions, we can foster healthier relationships with technology and mitigate the negative impact of TikTok addiction on individuals' lives.

Original Study:

Troy Smith, Andy Short,

Needs affordance as a key factor in likelihood of problematic social media use: Validation, latent Profile analysis and comparison of TikTok and Facebook problematic use measures, Addictive Behaviors, Volume 129, 2022