In today's digital era, social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives. Among these, TikTok, a platform primarily offering short, entertaining video content, has emerged as a real game-changer. However, like every coin has two sides, TikTok also has its share of negative impacts on users' lives. This article aims to shed light on the adverse effects of TikTok on individuals and society at large.
It's an Addictive Platform
All of social media is designed to be addictive. But TikTok seems to be the most addictive social media platform. Its short, engaging videos, typically less than a minute long, ensure users remain glued to their screens. The platform's "swipe down to the next video" feature further fuels this addiction, encouraging a shorter attention span among users.
Impact on Attention Span: Risk of the Short Videos
Unlike YouTube, TikTok offers many short videos, typically less than a minute long. You can simply swipe down to the next video if you find the current one less interesting. This can develop an extremely short attention span because the videos are short, and users quickly move on to the next one. Repeating this routine, people lose patience and can't focus long-term anymore.
Loss of Self-Control and Patience
Frequent engagement with TikTok and other social media platforms is harming people's self-control. Those around me who are addicted to social media, especially TikTok, they lack patience and self-control. Some want to read but find it difficult to focus due to the lack of concentration, leading to a loss of self-control. These social media platforms dumb down people and make them weaker. If you find symptoms like this in yourself, it's time to break free from excessive social media use.
Becoming Incredibly Lazy: The Danger of Instant Gratification
Instant gratification is another significant problem of social media. It involves receiving dopamine instantly by consuming content from the internet at zero cost and zero effort. We usually experience dopamine release from various situations like achieving a goal, feeling successful, social interaction, eating tasty food, exercising, etc. All of these require effort to realize dopamine, but now we're obtaining it effortlessly from the internet and social media. People seek more dopamine without putting in hard work, and there's no easier dopamine release than through social media like TikTok; most people fall into this trap. Now, instead of striving for goals, they just keep scrolling down TikTok. It seems like the end of society.
Time Wasted on Social Media
Why waste time on social media platforms? Do you have a goal or dream that you absolutely need to accomplish? Then there's no time for waste. Even billionaires can't buy back time once it's gone. If you still think a few minutes of watching social media is just relaxation after a long day, think again. No, get out of the screen. Instant gratification is making you lazy in achieving your goals. Even if you believe a few minutes of relaxation on TikTok won't matter, it is messing up your brain. Using the phone for relaxation? Are you sure it's relaxing for you? Staring at the screen isn't true relaxation; instead, we're expending more energy on that. True recovery of energy could be found in sleep. Again, if you have a dream to make come true, do not let TikTok or any other social media mess up your brain. Don't waste time on the internet; stop fooling around.
Influence of Consumed Content
We are influenced by the people around us, and these influences subconsciously shape us. Spending time with negative people can lead us to adopt negative tendencies, on the other hand, surrounding ourselves with positive people can inspire positivity.
The old saying 'You are what you eat' can also apply to the content we consume. For example, the TikTok videos you watch have the potential to influence various aspects of your life. Even if the content is not explicitly negative, the actions and messages of creators can impact our thoughts. Watching TikTok creators engaging in 'stupid behavior' could influence your mindset to be just like them. So, watch out for the videos and take it as if they are your mentors.
The Pervasiveness of Soft Porn
Soft porn is characterized by sexually suggestive content. You might have come across young girls posting provocative pictures or videos on social media platforms, purposefully seeking men's attention. They wear clothes that cover less skin or tight outfits that highlight their bodies. These are pretty much like porn.
Impact on Mental Health
While it may not be as obvious as traditional porn, the exposure to soft porn can still harm men's mental health, potentially leading to unrealistic expectations and unhealthy attitudes towards women. There are numerous discussions about the negative effects of porn, but it can certainly make men weaker.
Impact on the Next Generation
Even children can consume such content without recognizing it as porn. The next generation is growing up with easy access to such content on the internet. I wonder how the next generation will grow up by being exposed to this type of content on the internet.
Conclusion
While TikTok offers a platform for creativity and entertainment, its potential negative impacts cannot be ignored. The addictive nature of the platform, the lure of instant gratification, the influence of consumed content, and the pervasiveness of soft porn are all areas of concern. As responsible internet users, it's crucial to be aware of these impacts and take necessary measures to safeguard our mental health and physical health.
Commentaires