Am I the only one who thinks tiktok is actually ruining kids?

Nov 281 min read

Unpopular opinion but I'm convinced the algorithm is designed to addict kids. Every 15 seconds a new video, easy scrolling, no friction. Compared to YouTube where you at least have to click on the next video. My nephew (he's 11) was getting worse anxiety and sleep issues and his mom cut TikTok and within 2 weeks he was visibly better. I know I can't ban it completely but man... I think this app is different than the others. Anyone else think this or am I just being paranoid?

11 comments110 views

Comments(11)

TThomas H.Regularjust now

The 15-second thing is the killer. That's short enough that your brain doesn't get satisfied so you keep scrolling forever. Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have the same problem.

HHector R.Regularjust now

Not unpopular at all. TikTok is algorithmically designed to trap attention. YouTube at least requires a click. That friction matters more than people realize.

RRyan G.Regularjust now

What are the alternatives though? Kids are going to find some app. At least TikTok is open about the algorithm instead of being sneaky about it like others.

TTerry O.Regularjust now

The algorithm thing is real - infinite scroll with no stopping point is designed to be addictive. That said, YouTube's algorithm is just as bad, you just have to click more. I'd argue YouTube is almost worse because you feel like you're choosing more when you're not.

DDave K.Regular5h ago

TikTok is definitely engineered for addiction but so is Instagram, YouTube, Twitter... the whole thing is. If you're gonna limit TikTok you probably need to limit all social media access or you're just pushing the behavior elsewhere.

GGary R.Regular3h ago

You're not the only one. The anxiety/sleep stuff from TikTok is real. The algorithm is literally designed to be addictive and there's research backing this up.

FFrank K.Regularjust now

We cut TikTok for our 12yo and honestly the difference in sleep and anxiety was noticeable within a week. Didn't realize how much it was affecting her until it was gone.

MMatt D.Regular3h ago

I don't think it's the app that's the problem I think it's that kids shouldn't have unlimited access to algorithmic content period. TikTok just happens to be the most aggressive about it.

DDale A.Regularjust now

You're not alone but also there's a difference between TikTok being addictive (it is) and it ruining kids. Your nephew's anxiety and sleep improving when it was removed suggests he might have had a dependency issue specifically, not that the app itself is inherently destructive for everyone.

HHank L.Regularjust now

The YouTube 'you have to click' argument doesn't really hold up anymore though - autoplay is on by default and kids just keep watching. The friction is basically zero on all these apps now.

SShane K.New Dadjust now

I'm skeptical that the difference is just about 15-second videos. I think the real issue is too much unsupervised screen time in general. Your nephew probably needed the break from all of it, not just TikTok specifically.