The TikTok Debate: Is The App Really Bad For Your Brain?

It’s become fashionable to observe that spending too much time on social media platforms can have potentially serious negative effects on the brain — and that TikTok is the most dangerous app to use.

In fact, some social scientists refer to the phenomenon as “brain rot.” A few even call it “TikTok brain.”

What’s that all about?

Why Many Experts Claim TikTok is Bad for Your Brain

Some longer posts are now in the mix, but the app’s reputation and importance were built on the short, 15-second TikTok videos we’re all familiar with. Most of that TikTok content is fast-moving and stimulating, with flashy visual displays and loud music often bombarding TikTok users as they rapidly scroll their feeds.

Studies have shown that the brain can have a difficult time keeping up with a parade of brief, energetic videos spilling across the screen at a frantic pace.

Stimuli pound the visual and auditory cortices. That causes the brain to release greater and greater amounts of dopamine (the so-called “feel-good” hormone), serotonin (the “happy hormone,”) adrenaline (the “fight or flight” hormone), and oxytocin (the “love hormone”).

Experts say the release of those neurochemicals can cause TikTok users to experience powerful emotions — and become addicted to the happiness and excitement they feel. They often spend more and more time on the app seeking to repeat and increase those enjoyable and stimulating sensations, addicting them to the app as much as the hormone releases.

There’s another negative effect that’s apparently caused by the stream of short videos, too. Those who spend lots of time on TikTok have been observed to experience neurological changes that lower their attention spans. Some scientists even compare those users’ ability to focus to that of goldfish, known to have an attention span that lasts only about five seconds.

The news isn’t all bad. The experts say constant exposure to TikTok may increase users’ ability to multitask and process information quickly, but that’s offset by a decreased ability to focus on detailed subject matter and task completion. Some even believe that the neural pathways needed for more complicated work actually degrade over time.

Perhaps worst of all, the damage can be worse for the teenagers and young adults who make up a huge percentage of TikTok’s user base. Their brains aren’t fully formed yet, so they’re more likely to suffer lifelong impact from their video intake; their app habit may cement the short attention spans and reward-seeking we’ve mentioned.

That’s not just speculation. A recent study of high school TikTok users found they were susceptible to what’s called TikTok Use Disorder, characterized by stress, anxiety, depression, and memory loss. They’re also more likely to remember where to find information online instead of remembering the information they’ve consumed.

Not all experts think that “TikTok Brain” argues against spending time on the app, though.

Possible Brain Benefits of Using TikTok

One of the pro-TikTok arguments we’ve mentioned tops this list. It’s believed that neural pathways required to multitask and quickly process information may actually be strengthened by viewing the rapid-fire succession of TikTok posts in a user’s feed.

Here are some of the other views that somewhat counter arguments against frequent TikTok use.

• Some studies indicate that the enjoyment provided by fun and funny TikTok videos also triggers the release of serotonin, dopamine, and other hormones that help users relieve stress and depression. For those not suffering from serious mental health disorders, the experience may provide welcome relief instead of encouraging social media addiction.
• Some experts feel the widespread availability of educational TikTok content describing coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues — and the need to seek professional help when struggling with those issues — may outweigh the app’s negative effects for the vast majority of users.
• The sense of community and connection that many people find on TikTok may play a role in fostering a positive sense of belonging and relieving feelings of isolation, particularly among younger users.

As with all potentially problematic behaviors, the majority of experts agree that moderation is the key. Using TikTok as a brief diversion from life, rather than as a central focus of daily activity, is the best way to enjoy the app’s possible mental health benefits while avoiding “TikTok Brain” and other negative effects the platform may produce.