How to control TikTok Addiction
TikTok, one of the most popular social media and entertainment platforms, is being massively followed by millions worldwide. You will see many young girls and boys, most commonly Genz, who are spending too much time on TikTok and creating various content. This compulsive behavior of TikTok can make one addicted, leading to major health problems. It is important to find various ways to control this addiction by understanding the risk factors. Today in this article, we will give you an insight into what makes TikTok addictive, what risk factors are associated with it, and how to control it. Without wasting more time, let’s get started!
What makes TikTok addictive?
TikTok being the medium of entertainment, can be as addictive as drugs for most people. To design this platform, expert developers have adopted the principles which are also used for making gambling sites which make them addictive. If you ask in psychological terms, it is called ‘random reinforcement,’ which means sometimes you lose, and sometimes you win.
Dr. Julie Albright, a USC professor and author says,” When you’re scrolling, sometimes you see a photo or something that’s delightful, and it catches your attention. And you get that little dopamine hit in the brain in the pleasure center of the brain. So, you want to keep scrolling.”
When you watch the video content or a user gets a like, comment, share, save, view, or follow, the brain releases chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine that make you feel good and euphoric. This creates a rush of excitement and your urge to scroll it again and again, and this leads to addiction.
Risk Factors associated with TikTok addiction
Overuse of TikTok can distract you from concentrating on your career and education. You will spend more time scrolling or making content on it rather than concentrating on your assignments and studies. This addiction leads to low grades in college or school, which ultimately lead to poor performance and lower career opportunities. Constant scrolling keeps you away from other curricular activities that may help you to develop your personal skills, which may be helpful in creating your career foundation. It prevents you from learning new things that may support your successful future.
You will see higher rates of anxiety, stress, and depression among young and teenage TikTok users who are addicted. When they create some content, and they do not get the number of likes they expected, they get depressed and feel insecure. They might even buy tiktok followers and likes services in order to make their content go viral. You might also have fights with your family and friends who constantly tell you not to spend excess time on the screen as it affects you negatively. You will see constant arguments between you and your family, which may bring a breakdown in relationships. This never-ending addiction to TikTok not only blows up your mental health but also your physical health. It affects your overall health by increasing obesity levels and degrading your physical fitness.
Tips to control TikTok addiction
TikTok Addiction is a major concern, and it is important to take some steps in order to overcome this addiction. Here we have brought some tips to help you to get over your TikTok addiction.
1. Practising other Hobbies
Practicing hobbies is one of the best ways to get away from TikTok. Rather than spending extra time on TikTok video content, you should utilize your time by executing your hobbies like dancing, playing games, writing, drawing, etc. Practicing your favorite hobby will keep you distracted from scrolling the video content over TikTok.
2. Spending time with friends
Having some funny chit-chat with friends can be one of the helpful tips that will keep you away from TikTok. If you ever feel depressed or sad, call them, share your problem and what exactly you feel, and friends will always console you. Remember the saying a friend in need is always a friend indeed.
3. Plan a trip with family or friends
You should go out with your friends and family on a long trip. Plan a picnic or a stay with your loved ones. This can be the best way to keep you distracted from TikTok. Make sure you keep your phone away and just spend time while having chill and fun. Also, you can play some outdoor games like baseball, throwball and many more.
4. Uninstalling social media platforms
Another best way is to uninstall the social media apps, mainly the TikTok app, so you do not get in touch with its content again. Try to stay away from it for a few weeks so that your addiction will be under control. As an alternative, you can install some good games on your phone and play that. This will also help you to keep your mind distracted from TikTok.
5. Practising exercise and meditation
Practicing meditation and exercise is one of the greatest and easiest ways to distract yourself from scrolling the TikTok video content. You should join yoga classes that are available online or offline. Practicing different yoga asanas will give a delightful experience. Also, meditation can be beneficial as it will give you a sense of relief with an enchanting yet positive feeling by calming your mind.
6. Seeking help from a therapist
TikTok Addiction can lead to mental and physical health issues. Continuously scrolling TikTok may lead to depression, anxiety, and other health issues. Seeking help from a therapist will be beneficial to get out of the addiction quickly. The doctor might suggest you some medication and practice exercises to get over your addiction.
Conclusion
Over scrolling TikTok content has led to major serious health concerns and the breakdown of some relationships. Your brain becomes reliant on TikTok’s content which increases your uncontrollable urge towards it, and you feel induced pleasure and ask for more and more. Before using TikTok, we strictly advise you to set a specific time limit so that you do not go overboard and continue scrolling the video content for too long. You need to remember that TikTok is the medium of entertainment, and how much you let it entertain you is in your hands. You should not allow any of this content to control you beyond measure, so you do not get addicted towards it. Hence it is important to find various ways to control this addiction to make your life peaceful. By considering all the risk factors and tips, you can control your TikTok addiction without worrying.
