The influence of social media is more evident now, and scientists are concerned about its effects on the brain. They are particularly interested in the effect of the famous video-sharing platform Tiktok. They are convinced that the "TikTok brain" is a real thing.
Science Times previously reported that watching a 90-second video clip from the mobile app causes problems in the collective attention span of a person. Now, experts are looking into its effects on kids' brains using TikTok.
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A recent article from The Wall Street Journal reported that binging on the short video clips on TikTok is harming kids' brains. Parents nowadays complain that their children can no longer sit through feature-length films because they feel that these movies are painfully slow. On the other hand, some parents complain that their kids struggle to focus on homework or when reading a book.
The concept of the TikTok brain was then discussed online. Experts claim that the dopamine rush of endless short videos makes it hard for young viewers to switch their attention to slower-moving videos or activities. They even compared watching TikTok videos to making kids live in a candy store as it becomes addicting that some people have made it the most important part of their lives.
Science Times previously cited the study, titled "Accelerating Dynamics of Collective Attention" published in Nature Communications, which shows that the attention span of people dramatically decreases over time from using TikTok. But the same pattern is not seen on other social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram.
Researchers have widely discussed the effects of social media and it does not come as a surprise that TikTok may have a role to play in the decrease in the attention span of kids using the platform, HITC reported.
Even former TikToker Emma Chamberlain, who had over 10 million followers on the social media app, decided to delete her profile after realizing it had taken away a lot of time in her life. In one episode of her podcast titled "Anything Goes," she admitted that she did not realize how bad her problem was until she cut TikTok out of her life. According to her, the move was genuinely life-changing.
ALSO READ: TikTok's Viral Tourette Videos Play a Role in Rapid Increase of Tics in Teen Girls
What Can Parents Do?
Parents and children can both take steps to reduce the adverse effects of TikTok. Johann Hari, author of "Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention - and How to Think Again," advised changing screen time to play dates, family hikes, or trips can help the brain practice focusing on things.
He added that practicing restraint will eventually help the child get over getting hooked on the platform. It strengthens the connection in the brain that enables it to relax again. Parents can schedule a routine ad setting limits on screen sessions.
Moreover, using other apps to manage settings that will close the application when it is time so parents can set screen time limits remotely. On YouTube, parents can set tie limits for young children by creating a supervised account using a Google Family Link that provides break reminders and a selection of age-appropriate content.
These methods will help parents avoid the TikTok brain and make sure that their kids sleep well. Sleep deficit in young kids is detrimental to their brain health, so it is also advisable to keep electronic devices away from the bedroom.
Check out more news and information on TikTok and Mental Health in Science.
