Why is TikTok Addictive? Here Are the Answers and Tips You Can Do to Prevent It

Illustration of TikTok (Unsplash)

YOGYAKARTA – Did you know that TikTok is considered a social media that triggers addiction. This happens without the users even realizing it. So why is TikTok addictive?

Why is TikTok Addictive?

There are many reasons why TikTok account owners can spend so much time watching short video clips presented on the homepage, one of which is because of the "pleasure" effect it creates.

On the digital responsibility site, it is said that TikTok has the ability to display short and entertaining videos that are continuously updated and personalized. Content on TikTok will create a strong emotional impact, triggering dopamine, a chemical in the brain that appears when someone experiences a feeling of pleasure.

The entertainment offered on TikTok will provide emotional rewards to its users so that they voluntarily open the application and then provide various responses via the like, share, and comment buttons.

In other sources, it is also said that TikTok also has a fairly sophisticated algorithm. The algorithm will evaluate the suitability between the content and the user. The matches themselves are based on interests recorded by the algorithm, after which TikTok will provide recommendations that are suitable for its users so that the videos never end and are addictive.

On TikTok's For You page, video preferences for users are presented which are designed so that users can browse an unlimited number of videos. There is no pause time for each video because users simply swipe the screen with their finger to view another video. This convenience really triggers a feeling of addiction and has an impact on the amount of time users spend on TikTok. Of course, this is different from other social media such as YouTube, where the duration of the videos presented is quite long and is even interspersed with advertisements.

Another factor that makes TikTok trigger addiction is the short videos presented on the platform. Users can enjoy videos as long as 15 seconds. These short videos are the answer for users who want short and instant entertainment.

Tips to Avoid TikTok Addiction

You can prevent the addictive effects of TikTok to avoid its negative impacts. Tips that can be done are as follows.

1. Limiting Time

   You can just create a TikTok account and enjoy the existing content. However, it is recommended to limit the time spent on TikTok. Limitations can be made by recording how much time is spent on the application and then carrying out weekly or monthly evaluations. After that, determine the maximum limit, even if possible, eliminate the habit of opening TikTok.

2. Avoid Useless Content

   Enjoying funny videos on TikTok is perfectly acceptable, but you should know that this habit can run out of control. Users are advised to increase their following of accounts that provide useful content, especially those related to your work or hobbies.

3. Create a Schedule

   It is highly recommended to make a schedule that contains when you can open TikTok and when you are prohibited from opening TikTok. For example, you can open TikTok a day from 8 to 9 pm. The rest, you rest or do other activities.

4. Find Other Fun

   Hobbies can save you from TikTok addiction because hobbies will provide the same enjoyable effect as TikTok. Or do outdoor activities with friends or family.

That is information related to why TikTok is addictive. Visit VOI.ID to get other interesting information.