Since its launch in 2017, TikTok has become an unequivocal sensation, with more than 800 million users worldwide. Today, TikTok is one of the most downloaded apps of all time, and statistics indicate that the TikTok addiction phenomenon is becoming increasingly prevalent among teenagers and adults alike.
However, as with anything, overconsumption is never good. Social media, in general, is a honey trap, designed to rope you in with instant gratification and the promise of love and adoration from thousands of strangers online. But it’s not all bad. For some people, TikTok, like other social media apps, can provide an escape from reality or even a valuable tool for personal growth. From beauty tips, scrummy recipes, and mood-lifting hacks to solving real-life crime and much more, TikTok is dubbed a low-key lifestyle hub, and it’s easy to see why people are so glued to this app!
So, at what point does all the TikTok scrolling become harmful and turn into an addiction that can affect your work, relationships, and life in general?
What Are The Signs That Show You’re Addicted To TikTok?
Since TikTok provides an endless stream of short and highly engaging content, people are encouraged to spend more time on the app. Moreover, engaging features such as creating and sharing content, challenging other users, and collaborating with other accounts enable users to get more involved, leading them to spend more time on TikTok.
Some warning signs are telling of a TikTok addiction. If you find that you’re spending an excessive amount of time and feel irritable when you’re not using it, then you’re likely addicted to TikTok. If you find yourself neglecting other activities or having trouble focusing on tasks outside of TikTok, you should take a pause and ask yourself if you’re slowly going down the path of a potentially destructive addiction that can affect your life across many levels. Here are some signs that you may be addicted to TikTok:
-
You Can’t Ignore Tiktok Notifications
Find it hard to resist checking your TikTok for new notifications? Or do you panic when the notification count remains the same?
-
You’re Always Thinking About TikTok
Whether you’re going to the bathroom or taking a break at work, your mind immediately turns to TikTok. If this is the first thing that comes to your mind in the morning and the last thing you do before falling asleep, it exhibits that your brain is hyper-focused on it. Even when engaged in other activities, the content you have consumed on TikTok keeps replaying in your mind, deterring you from being fully present in anything else.
-
You’re Emotionally Dependent On TikTok
Do you feel bored, angry, anxious, and irritable without TikTok? These emotions reveal that you are overly dependent on social media, so much so that you’re now relying on it for validation. When access to TikTok is restricted, you may experience abrupt mood swings. Furthermore, you may also find that you always incorporate TikTok into any discussion with people and compare those featured on the platform with those who aren’t. This unhealthy dependence can negatively affect your mental well-being.
-
You Experience Physical Discomfort
Spending too much time on TikTok is not just emotionally and mentally damaging; it can also cause physical problems. For example, spending excessive time on your phone can cause eye strain, neck pain, and headaches.
-
You’re Neglectful Of Other Activities
If spending time on TikTok makes you neglect daily activities, like school or office work, socializing, exercise, etc, then it’s time to step away from the app. Moreover, spending too much time doomscrolling can reduce productivity levels.
-
You’re Obsessed With TikTok Features
Can’t stay away from using TikTok features like transitions, filters, and editing tools? Or find that you’re constantly checking analytics to track your performance? You’re likely addicted to TikTok!
-
You Can’t Stop Watching TikTok Videos
If you find that you’re losing track of time by watching an excessive amount of videos, even when it’s not necessary, it’s clear that you need to take control of your addiction before your addiction controls you!
How To Overcome a TikTok Addiction?
Firstly, you need to acknowledge that you have a TikTok addiction and understand that it could take a lot of effort and time to overcome it. Here are some ways to start taking back control:
- Set limits because telling yourself “just one more video” isn’t good enough. Be firm in setting boundaries about how much time you spend on TikTok. For example, you can set a specific time limit, such as 1 hour, and spread it throughout the day.
- Designate certain places, like the dinner table or your bedroom, as no-phone zones. Doing so allows you to reconnect with life away from the glare of the screen.
- Try exploring new interests and hobbies, like walking, reading, or crafting, to replace screen time.
- If you find your fingers itching to reach for your phone, ask yourself why you’re doing it. Is it because you’re stressed, or bored, or want to avoid something? Make sure to address the root feeling rather than escaping into TikTok.
- If you find that getting over your TikTok addiction is proving to be too tricky, don’t shy away from seeking support. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and having a trusted friend or family member to support you can be helpful.
Final Thoughts
The dopamine reward system in the brain gets highly activated when you use TikTok. In fact, a similar reaction can be triggered by using all social media. This reward system encourages you to keep using the app because doing so makes you feel happy and satisfied. But over time, this pleasure can build up into an addiction, and users will find themselves becoming increasingly dependent on the feel-good emotions they experience when using the app.
If you think you’re addicted to TikTok, you must set boundaries right away and take the necessary steps to manage your addiction. The journey may not necessarily be easy, and it requires you to be extremely patient with yourself and take small steps. Don’t shy away from seeking support if you’re overwhelmed, and with the right dedication and support system, it is entirely possible to break a TikTok addiction!
