Why Experts Say TikTok Is So Addictive

Do you ever hop onto TikTok to quickly check out what’s going on — and then realize that you’re still scrolling through your feed an hour, two hours, or three hours later?’

You’re not alone.

Psychologists say all social media apps can be addictive. The 24/7 stream of content available at users’ fingertips, and the positive reinforcement provided by engagements like shares, likes, and comments, create what’s known as a feedback loop.

When people experience pleasure, their brains release a neurotransmitter called dopamine (often called the “feel good” chemical). Watching a great video, sharing it with others, or seeing a nice comment on a post all provide pleasure; dopamine is released, users feel rewarded — and they’re driven to stay on the platform and seek out another “dopamine hit.”

Experts compare this constant cycle of craving followed by pleasure to the addiction cycle experienced by those dependent on substances, risk-taking, or other problematic behaviors — and it’s the reason why social media is widely believed to be potentially addictive.

Is TikTok different than other apps in that regard? Let’s find out.

The Unique Features of TikTok

2022 research published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology reported that TikTok is the most addictive of all social media platforms. 

There are several reasons why.

• TikTok’s algorithms: The app has the industry’s most advanced system that tracks users’ activity. Computerized algorithms curate the TikTok content they see on their For You pages (FYP) to satisfy their preferences — meaning they’ll almost always see TikTok posts that keep them engaged and watching.
• Autoplay and scrolling: TikTok users don’t have to do a thing to be continually stimulated and satisfied. TikTok videos start automatically and the feeds keep scrolling, so the users don’t have to search for content; the dopamine feedback loop keeps rolling at full speed.
• Unpredictable content: Even though the algorithms work to keep users satisfied, not every video they see will be a banger. That creates a system of “variable rewards” that experts compare to the unpredictability of slot machines; users stay glued to their feeds, heightening anticipation for the next video that will reward them with another hit of dopamine.
• Notifications: Unless users modify their settings, they’re notified every time someone engages with their content. Each like, comment, or share triggers another release of dopamine and heightens the anticipation of receiving the next notification, keeping people on the platform longer.
• Trends: TikTok is known as a platform where trending topics and videos dominate the conversation. Staying on top of those trends provides users with a sense of community and gives them the desire to participate; being in the “in crowd” provides a feeling of acceptance and yet another dopamine hit.

In short, TikTok has been designed to keep people on the app as long as possible, creating an environment in which addiction is most likely to develop.

Can TikTok Addiction Be a Problem?

Any addiction can be a problem if it interferes with daily life.

In the case of TikTok, users may stay on the app instead of attending to other responsibilities. They may start to depend on the platform, rather than work, play, hobbies, or interpersonal relationships for pleasure and validation. And the constant dopamine bursts they experience on TikTok may desensitize them to the enjoyment they would otherwise experience in everyday life.

Mental health experts say that all of those symptoms can lead to withdrawal, depression, anxiety, and related physical issues, and that teens are most susceptible to the problems because their brains are still developing.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of TikTok addiction, it could be time to take action. Deleting the app or using programs that limit screen time will work for some people, but seeking mental health counseling can be a more effective and lasting way to break the addiction cycle.

Being addicted to TikTok isn’t something to be embarrassed about. It’s something to be aware of and deal with.