Tiktok
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The Multifaceted Impact of TikTok: Psychological, Educational, and Social Dimensions
TikTok's Psychological Influence on Users
Uses and Gratification Theory
TikTok, known for its short, engaging videos, has captivated a global audience, particularly among adolescents. The platform's design encourages users to create, view, and interact with "LipSync-Videos," which has been analyzed through the lens of uses and gratification theory. This theory suggests that users engage with TikTok to fulfill specific needs such as entertainment, social interaction, and self-expression1. However, the psychological effects of TikTok use, especially among young and potentially vulnerable individuals, remain underexplored, necessitating further research to understand any detrimental behavioral impacts1.
The Algorithmized Self
TikTok's unique algorithm plays a significant role in shaping user behavior and self-perception. Unlike other social media platforms, TikTok's algorithm curates content that aligns closely with user preferences, leading to what researchers term the "algorithmized self." This concept highlights how users become increasingly aware of the algorithm's influence, creating content that is likely to be favored by the system, thus complicating traditional notions of self-presentation on social media2.
Educational Potential of TikTok
Enhancing ESL Learning
TikTok's features have shown promise in educational settings, particularly for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. The platform's video-related features and duet challenges can promote engaging and meaningful learning experiences. These features support various pedagogical strategies, including digital assignments, active learning, and collaborative projects, making TikTok a valuable tool for language education3. However, challenges such as user behavior and infrastructure limitations need to be addressed to maximize its educational potential3.
Social and Political Dimensions
Media and Journalism on TikTok
Media organizations are increasingly exploring TikTok to reach younger audiences. Despite the platform's potential for virality and engagement, the presence of journalistic content remains relatively low. Most media accounts focus on creating viral and entertaining content rather than traditional news, although some have successfully adapted their content to fit TikTok's unique characteristics5. This adaptation illustrates a niche for current affairs on the platform, albeit with limited impact5.
Political Discourse and Extremism
TikTok has also emerged as a platform for political expression and activism. In the Indian context, for example, TikTok has been used to disseminate divisive content and hate speech, raising concerns about the platform's accountability in managing such issues9. Additionally, the presence of far-right extremism on TikTok is troubling, given the platform's young user base and its lag in implementing robust content moderation compared to older social media platforms10.
Conclusion
TikTok's rapid rise and widespread use have significant implications across various domains. While it offers unique opportunities for self-expression, education, and media engagement, it also presents challenges related to psychological impacts, content moderation, and the spread of misinformation. As TikTok continues to evolve, ongoing research is essential to fully understand its multifaceted impact and to develop strategies for mitigating potential negative effects.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
On the Psychology of TikTok Use: A First Glimpse From Empirical Findings
TikTok use is often engaging for young users, but more research is needed to understand its impact and potential negative behavioral effects.
Literature Review
Highly CitedWhy’s Everyone on TikTok Now? The Algorithmized Self and the Future of Self-Making on Social Media
TikTok's algorithm-driven self-making model differs from existing platforms, promoting awareness, content without context, and cross-platform self-creation.
Highly CitedThe Potential of TikTok’s Key Features as a Pedagogical Strategy for ESL Classrooms
TikTok's video-related features and duet challenge feature can promote engaging and meaningful learning in ESL classrooms, but limitations like user behavior and infrastructure need to be addressed.
Systematic ReviewResearch perspectives on TikTok and its legacy apps: introduction
TikTok has become a hub for creativity and is being used by educators and governments to reach younger demographics, despite criticism and scrutiny.
Current affairs on TikTok. Virality and entertainment for digital natives
Media presence on TikTok is low, with most content focused on viral content and entertainment, but there is a niche for current affairs content, with virality and engagement figures indicating a niche for this type of content.
TikTok and prostate cancer: misinformation and quality of information using validated questionnaires
TikTok users often share misinformation about prostate cancer, with some videos containing false information about the disease.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedTikTok and public health: a proposed research agenda
TikTok's rapid growth presents both opportunities and challenges for public health, with potential health-related implications and opportunities.
Rigorous JournalExtending the Internet meme: Conceptualizing technological mimesis and imitation publics on the TikTok platform
The TikTok platform encourages mimesis through its logic and design, leading to imitation publics and altering modes of sociality.
Highly CitedPlaying Politics: How Sabarimala Played Out on TikTok
TikTok's playful architecture shapes political discourse and participation, and ludo-literacy can reveal structures guiding playful political participation and initiate alternative modes of playing politics.
Research Note: Spreading Hate on TikTok
TikTok has a disturbing presence of Far-right extremism in videos, commentary, symbols, and pictures, with unique features like young children and naive users making it more vulnerable to malicious content.
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