Is TikTok bad for your health?
Social media platforms are always on the edge and always controversial. Many of us might be familiar with the latest trending social video app TikTok. It is one of the most downloaded non-gaming apps in the world.
Change is constant. The consistency in change has walked a long road, touching every aspect of life. Talking about life, it has been almost engulfed by technology and social media. And TikTok being one of the major parts of social media platforms, has succeeded in marking its territory. However, it has always been a controversial topic. How many times have you been criticized for using/installing TikTok? Are you hooked on it or is it just fun to scroll through TikTok?
Well, the answer might have a variety of ranges. You might love TikTok, unlike your friend. Someone might have earned a name and fame from the very app, whereas one might have only faced negative criticism. TikTok and health might sound more like they are opposite poles. But they are somehow related. Health, be it physical or mental, is important and these days, TikTok rules over them. We talked with a few people to know, how it has affected their lives.
“Honestly, for me, it hasn’t made much difference in my day-to-day life. Not that, I don’t have it installed, but I can do without it as well. I don’t look forward to going home to chill watching TikTok.”- Smriti Adhikari.
“For me, TikTok has become an escape from life. No matter how stressed I am with my work and college, scrolling through the videos and getting to laugh, cry and dance makes my day. It keeps me from overthinking, so I love it.”- Moneeca Pradhananga.
“I have followed influencers and motivational speakers. They post videos that help me find a reason to continue with my day. I think it is more about how you take it and how you let TikTok make a difference in your life.”- Salina Oli.
“I have uninstalled TikTok recently. Why? I don’t know. It just didn’t feel healthy to me. I see girls with beautiful bodies, with beautiful skin and makeup. I don’t have them; I am trying to lose weight and I don’t like my body. So, I felt like it is better if I maintained distance with TikTok.”- Simran Shrestha
“My mom had me uninstall the app. She is right though. I just could not keep myself from watching TikTok. Even during my exam, I was hooked on it and didn’t do well. I agree as well, that I am better off with TikTok.”- Niharika Baral.
“I think it is a great platform. I am not very much a regular user. But, if I get some free time, I do go through it and I love some of the content creators. See, it is not getting popular for no reason. You use it right, let it do right.”- Sandeep Ghimire.
Everybody has their own experience and it is all about how you take it. It is up to you, whether you are going to control the app or let the app control you.
Should you stop using the app altogether?
Well, you know you better. So, you do you. If you are a parent, then, you might as well be careful about how much you are spending time on it, since your children surely copy you. If you are a teenager, you must be careful with the content on TikTok. Maybe you should follow someone who positively motivates you and help you become a better version of yourself rather than just wasting your precious time. If you are realizing that the app is not very much being productive and mentally affecting you, then you have to be cautious enough to take a break. Moderation is the key. The limitation exists for the betterment and acknowledging your health has to be your priority.
So? Are you using the TikTok app at the cost of your health? If not, great! If so, you have to stay away from it. Not a doubt that the app has become a great way for many people in the world to showcase their talents and some of the contents of the video are great. There have been times when people learn a lot from TikTok and it has become a great platform for marketing as well. it might not be altogether bad for your health if you use it right and for the right purpose. You can always walk away from the toxicity. It is okay!