The newest addition to social media took the world by… pandemic… starting out as a huge portion of our population was confined to their home, therefore leaving us as prey to any vice that could fill their newly found free time. The ease with which we can scroll through these short videos designed by neurologists to captivate our attention with their alluring dopamine boosts is disturbing. Not only that, but the algorithm’s ability to peel back layers of our psyche many times unbeknownst to us by reading our likes and eye movements like a digital divinity compels us to keep coming back. These apps make us feel seen and understood. There are stories of people realizing that they are bisexual, on the autism spectrum, etc. because of videos that the TikTok algorithm knew to show them. All of these people have felt extremely validated and even grateful towards the algorithm and app for allowing them to explore these parts of their identities and therefore understand themselves better.
The videos on these apps have also come to drive a lot of popular culture referred to by most Generation Z and millennials such as quotes from different funny audios, words, and the fact that the most listened to songs worldwide on spotify are usually garnered their popularity on one of these applications first. The sheer hold this and many other apps have over us has even led to the creation of a new and very relevant realm of addiction recovery called digital addiction. People are entering rehabilitation programs due to their frequent and debilitating need to constantly be using technology, many times focused on social media outlets such as TikTok and instagram.
When considering reigning in our addiction to these amazing little videos the first thing to consider is what my purpose behind going on one of these apps may be. Do I use these apps as company when I am alone? Do I use them as a distraction to keep me from processing and being with my thoughts? Are they cultivating my creativity and teaching me valuable things? One of the biggest reasons that people indulge in these videos is the algorithm’s ability to make them feel seen and heard and I think it’s an interesting question to ask yourself if you’re not getting either of these things in your daily life therefore you’ve turned to these apps to fill this intense human need. Unfortunately, for many of us it can be a combination of these and more very powerful factors
After considering what our real reasons for spending so much time on these apps may be, the next step could be to try and find different ways to fill these needs. For example, if you’re using the apps as a way of keeping you company when alone, is there something else you could be doing to fill this void? Options could include calling a friend or family member, listening to a podcast, audiobook, or even watching an interesting youtube video? If you’re avoiding being alone with your thoughts maybe that would be a red flag to start looking at what you’re avoiding and how healthy and sustainable that is. If what comes up for you can be alarming or deal with a great deal of anxiety or feelings of depression, talking these thoughts out with a mental health professional could be a great option.
There are also many times where use of these ever addictive apps is positive. This can include the ability they have to allow you to connect with a community you would have otherwise not known about, jumpstarting your creativity, or keeping you informed and up to date on news. Not all use of TikTok and reels needs to be demonized, but if it’s excessive use is affecting other parts of your life it’s important to have a look at what the real reason you may be using them may be.
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