Has TikTok Ruined Attention Span?
Introduction
In the past few years, social media has become an integral part of our lives and it has changed how we interact with each other and consume content online. One of the most popular platforms is the Chinese-owned app, TikTok, which allows users to create and share short videos with music, effects and filters that can be shared across multiple platforms. Although it has been a great success in terms of user engagement and growth, there have been some concerns raised about its potential impact on attention span, particularly among younger generations who are more likely to use the platform regularly. This article will explore these issues in more detail and discuss whether or not TikTok really has ruined our attention span as a society.
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a mobile application launched in 2016 that enables users to create and share short videos with music, effects and filters that can be shared across multiple platforms like YouTube, Instagram and Twitter. It has become one of the most popular social media apps worldwide with over 800 million active monthly users as of 2021, making it one of the fastest growing apps ever created according to Statista (2021). With its unique features such as lip-syncing songs, creating funny videos or simply sharing your day-to-day life experiences with others around the world, it’s no surprise why so many people love using it every day!
The Impact of TikTok on Attention Span
The main concern about using this app is that it may have an adverse effect on our attention span due to its fast-paced nature where users are constantly bombarded with new content every few seconds. In addition, some studies have suggested that it could lead to increased impulsivity in young people due to its addictive nature (Heath & Heath 2020). Furthermore, research conducted by Ofcom (2020) found that almost half (45%) of UK children aged 8-15 who used the app admitted they felt addicted to it – a worrying statistic given how important focus and concentration are for learning at school age!
How Does TikTok Affect Our Brains?
It’s well known that social media can have a negative impact on mental health but what about physical health? Recent studies suggest that prolonged use of this app could cause changes in brain chemistry which could lead to decreased focus or concentration levels (Kumar et al., 2020). This could be attributed to the fact that when we watch videos on this platform we’re being exposed to rapid visual stimuli which can affect our ability to concentrate for long periods of time (Ofcom 2020). Furthermore, some experts believe that because we’re constantly being bombarded with new content every few seconds while using this app our brains become desensitized from all the information overload which further reduces our ability to focus or concentrate effectively (Heath & Heath 2020).
Does TikTok Make Us More Impulsive?
Another potential issue associated with using this app is increased impulsivity due to its addictive nature – something which has been linked back to changes in brain chemistry caused by excessive use (Kumar et al., 2020). For example, when we watch videos on this platform we often find ourselves wanting more even if we don’t necessarily need them – something which could lead us into making impulsive decisions without thinking through consequences first (Ofcom 2020). Furthermore, research suggests that young people who use this app may be more likely than those who don’t use it at all when it comes to taking risks or engaging in dangerous activities such as drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes (Heath & Heath 2020).
Can We Use Tik Tok To Positively Influence Attention Span?
Although there are some potential risks associated with using this app there are also ways in which you can use it positively too! For example, you could try setting yourself mini challenges such as creating 15 second videos related to different topics each day – something which would help you stay focused for longer periods of time while also improving your creative skillset! Additionally you could try limiting yourself by only allowing yourself two minutes per video so you don’t get overwhelmed by all the information overload – something which would help you concentrate better. You could also try watching educational content instead of just aimless scrolling; by doing so you will not only increase your knowledge but also improve your focus and concentration levels. Finally, if you feel like you’re getting too addicted then take regular breaks from using the app; this will help reduce any negative impacts caused by excessive usage.
Conclusion
Overall there is still much debate surrounding whether or not TikTok has had an adverse effect on attention span; however based on current evidence available there appears to be cause for concern given how quickly user engagement grows each year coupled with reports suggesting increased impulsivity among young people who use the platform regularly. Nevertheless there are still ways in which users can make sure they stay focused while using this app such as setting themselves mini challenges or limiting their usage time each day – something which should help reduce any negative impacts caused by excessive usage.
References:
Heath C & Heath D (2020) The Power Of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact: Simon & Schuster Ltd Kumar S et al., ‘Impact Of Social Networking Sites On Adolescents And Youth Mental Health: A Systematic Review’ [online] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4859430/ [accessed 16 March 2021] Ofcom (2020) Children And Parents Media Use And Attitudes Report [online] Available from: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0030/195233/childrens-media-use-and-attitudes-report-2020_final_v2_0_web_version_.pdf [accessed 16 March 2021] Statista (2021) Number Of Monthly Active Users Of The Short Video App Tiktok Worldwide From April 2019 To April 2021 [online] Available from: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1171719/monthly-users-of-tiktok/#:~:text=In%20April%202021%2C%20TikTok%20had%20an%20estimated%20843%2C037%20monthly&text=TikTok’s%20global%20monthly%20active %2Fdownloadable file user base had grown significantly since April 2019 when it had around 500 million active monthly users worldwide.[accessed 16 March 2021].
Call To Action
If you’re worried about how much time your child spends on social media apps like TikTok then why not get in touch with Famouz today! Our team of experienced social media marketing professionals can provide expert advice tailored specifically for your needs so don’t hesitate – contact us now!