The use of platforms such as TikTok has become increasingly popular among people of all ages, especially during the ongoing pandemic. While social networking sites have numerous benefits, it has also been linked to stress and mental health issues. This article will explore the relationship between stress and TikTok use.
TikTok is a video-sharing app where users can create and share short videos with others. It has become one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion active users worldwide. While it can be a source of entertainment and creativity, excessive use of the app can lead to stress and anxiety.
Is TikTok use causing stress?
One of the main reasons why using this app can cause stress is the constant need for validation. Users tend to judge their self-worth based on the number of likes, followers, and comments they receive on their videos. This can create a sense of pressure and anxiety, especially if their videos do not receive as much attention as they had hoped for. Moreover, the fear of missing out (FOMO) can also contribute to stress, as users feel compelled to constantly check the app for new content.
Another way in which social networking sites use can lead to stress is through exposure to negative content. While this app has community guidelines that prohibit content that promotes hate, violence, or discrimination, users can still be exposed to harmful and triggering content. For example, videos promoting unrealistic beauty standards or displaying dangerous challenges can lead to feelings of inadequacy or fear.
Constant exposure to such content can have a detrimental effect on one’s mental health and well-being.
Also, a study conducted by Nisha Yao, Jing Chen, Siyuan Huang, Christian Montag and Jon D. Elhaifound reveals that distress intolerance had a significant mediating effect on problematic TikTok use severity, while boredom proneness did not play a significant role in mediating the results. These results indicate that the perceived inability to cope with distress may contribute to the problematic use of this app, and could explain the relationship between symptoms of psychopathology and problematic use. You can read their study here.
Furthermore, social networking sites use can also interfere with one’s sleep patterns, which can contribute to stress and anxiety. Many users tend to spend hours scrolling through their feed, even late into the night, which can disrupt their circadian rhythm and make it harder for them to fall asleep. Lack of sleep can have a negative impact on one’s mood, cognitive function, and overall health.
Social netwoking sites use can be a source of stress and anxiety for many users. The need for validation, exposure to negative content, and disruption of sleep patterns are some of the factors that can contribute to this. Therefore, it is important for users to be mindful of their phone use and take steps to reduce stress, such as setting limits on their screen time, following positive and uplifting content, and practicing self-care activities such as meditation or exercise.
