TikTok has the most users worldwide. The risk of addiction, especially among minors, is extremely high. What do the experts recommend?
Funny animal videos, online challenges, catchy tunes: the Chinese app Tiktok is used by around 1.6 billion users worldwide. It is particularly popular in Germany with more than 20 million monthly active users.
The EU criticizes the TikTok the insufficient protection of minors, while psychologists speak of an increased risk of addiction. At the center of the criticism are the life-threatening online challenges, also known as dare tests, which have already led to the death of minors. Last April a 13-year-old girl from Kassel lost her life during a ‘blackout’ dare. According to the Hessisch-Niedersächsische Allgemeine newspaper, she strangled herself to death in her room while filming herself.
During the pandemic many boys and girls spent much more time in the digital world of Instagram, Tiktok and other social media. Almost 25% of 10- to 17-year-olds today use social media in a way that endangers their health, according to research by the German health fund DAK and the University Clinic Hamburg-Eppendorf. Before the pandemic, in 2019, the corresponding percentage did not exceed 8%. On average, social media is used by minors for 2.5 hours on weekdays and over 3.7 hours on the weekend.
60% of young people feel uncomfortable with the content
It should be noted that many young people do not even characterize the content as positive. Research on behalf of the North Rhine-Westphalia Media Authority shows that over 60% of underage Tiktok users in Germany often feel uncomfortable
with the content they see on the platform. Nevertheless, the app continues to be extremely popular among young people.
However, how is the difference explained? Psychologist Christian Montague believes that there are many reasons why young people are disturbed by the content and remain fanatical users of the application. “Social media applications undoubtedly have a strong appeal at younger ages,” explains the German scientist: “In addition, social media are an integral part of youth culture and help young people in their search for identity.”
The algorithm keeps the brain alert
However, it is difficult to empirically determine the reasons why Tiktok carries a greater risk of addiction than other social networking platforms, due to the lack of access to the necessary relevant data. “Short videos, often under 30 seconds, constantly trigger reactions in the brain, keeping users engaged.” Critical here is the successful operation of the algorithm, which selects content for users based on their preferences.
Expert Christian Montag considers various measures appropriate in order to limit the risks arising for users from social media. In his view, it would be important to introduce effective age checks when entering the application. “Specific rules are needed in terms of content, but also the overall design of the platform so that social media take the responsibility that belongs to them.” The Digital Services Act of the European Union could contribute to this goal.
Editor: Stefanos Georgakopoulos
Source :Skai
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