The use of social media can have negative and positive effects on one's mental health. Excess use is known as "Facebook addiction." Studies have shown that excess social media hurt self-esteem, increased anxiety/depression, stress, eating disorders, loneliness, & decreased life satisfaction. NCBI. (2023, August 3). Negative psychological and physiological effects of social networking site use: The example of Facebook. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10435997/​

Studies & statistics done by the CDC show that the rates of suicide have significantly risen since Facebook became more popular among adolescents and young adults. The increased use of Facebook has led people to seek psychotherapy and antidepressants to cope with the destructive effects social media has had on their mental health. Since smartphones are everywhere, it has not been easy to restrict the use of social media. Walsh, Dylan. (2022, September 14). Study: Social media use linked to decline in mental health. MIT Sloan. https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/study-social-media-use-linked-to-decline-mental-health​

Prolonged use of social media can also negatively impact physical health. Too much screen time decreases activity levels, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Excess screen time may also lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. Reports also show somatic symptoms such as headaches and vision problems in people who spend too much time on social media, such as Facebook. Gambini, Bert. (2022, January 25). Social media use tied to poor physical health. Welcome to the University at Buffalo - University at Buffalo. https://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2022/01/social-media-physical-health.html​

Social media can also positively affect people because it allows us to feel connected to family, friends, and people we may know. Platforms such as Facebook allow people who are uncomfortable verbalizing their problems and situations to have a voice online. Facebook in moderation, can also enable people to express their thoughts and creativity. Jacobson, S. (2023, March 4). Psychological impact of Facebook - Harmful or beneficial? Harley Therapy™ Blog. https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/counselling/psychology-of-facebook-social-networking.htm​

Tik Tok's short form video format is designed to be addictive for the consumer. The app's algorithm is designed to play videos that will keep the user as engaged and stay on the app for as long as possible. It does this by reviewing what type of content the user watches consistently and interacts with the most.​

Prolonged exposure to these short videos (which can last as short as 15 seconds) leads to quick, constant stimulation resulting in shortened attention spans and difficulty focusing on longer tasks or engaging in deep thinking. Having a shortened attention span can reduce cognitive performance, impair learning and memory and may also increase stress and frustration.​

As with other apps, Tik Tok implements specific interactions such as liking, commenting and sharing which leads to dopamine overload. The brain is conditioned to seek constant stimulation and instant gratification. When a comment or post is liked, shared or commented on, the user gets a notification which sets of dopamine receptors, the brain's pleasure neurotransmitter. Over time the brain is conditioned to seek these interactions which ultimately impacts the user's patience and emotional regulation leading to poor mental health. (Yakobus, etc, 2023) Yakobus, I. K., Suat, H., Kurniawati, K., Zulham, Z., Pannyiwi, R., & Anurogo, D. (2023). The Use Social Media’s on Adolescents’ Mental Health. International Journal of Health Sciences, 1(4), 425–438. https://doi.org/10.59585/ijhs.v1i4.161​

Exposure to idealized lifestyles and images can also lead many children to unrealistically compare their own lives or circumstances. While this may benefit few by encouraging self-growth and upward mobility in life, it often discourages many and leaves feelings of inadequacy or anxiety as they compare their own lives to unrealistic portrayals of others. (Beyari, 2023) Beyari, H. The Relationship between Social Media and the Increase in Mental Health Problems. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 2383. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032383​

Despite content moderation safeguards, Tik Tok often exposes children to inappropriate or harmful content. This includes many topics such as hate speech, racism, abuse, graphic violence, nudity, pornography, misinformation or fake news, encouragement of self-harm, suicide content, scams, fraud, dangerous challenges etc. There have even been instances where social media has "likely contributed" to a person's suicide or death. (Reynaldo Gonzalez vs Google, 2002) North London Coroner’s Service, “Regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths”, 13 October 2022, https://www.judiciary.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2022/10/Molly-Russell-Prevention-of-future-deaths-report-2022-0315_Published.pdf​