The risk of mental health issues among young people who use TikTok in Europe

Abstract

Background: TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms, particularly among adolescents and young adults, raising concerns about its potential impact on mental health. The platform’s engaging, algorithm-driven content has been linked to various psychological outcomes, including social media addiction, anxiety, and depression. Understanding these effects, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, is essential for developing strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of excessive TikTok use and ensure the well-being of its users. 

Methods: This review synthesizes findings from several studies that examine the relationship between TikTok use and mental health outcomes. These studies utilized methods such as literature reviews, online surveys, and cross-sectional analyses, focusing on adolescents and young adults across different regions, including Europe, Russia, and Southeast Asia. The research investigates key mental health indicators, such as social media addiction, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem, to provide a comprehensive understanding of TikTok's impact. 

Results: The findings indicate a strong correlation between excessive TikTok use and negative mental health outcomes, particularly among younger users. High levels of TikTok use have been consistently associated with social media addiction, increased anxiety, and depression. The platform’s algorithm-driven nature, which promotes prolonged engagement through personalized content, appears to exacerbate these effects, making it a significant concern for mental health professionals and educators. 

Conclusion: TikTok presents unique challenges to mental health, particularly for adolescents and young adults. To address these challenges, there is a need for targeted interventions, such as digital literacy programs and platform-specific tools that promote healthy usage habits. Ongoing research is crucial to fully understand the long-term effects and to develop effective strategies for mitigating the negative impacts of social media use.