TikTok Mood Swings
Through the discussion of how teens often become depressed from their social media use, it can be argued that social media platforms such as TikTok allow users to find a community allowing for them to not feel alone in their mental struggle. TikTok is blamed throughout the media for damaging the mental health of teens, forcing them into a depression, when in reality teens often find content creators who share their same struggle with depression which they can relate to, boosting their mood significantly. By relating to a content creator or influencer, teens are finding ways to navigate their depression due to the advice of one who is going through a similar struggle, but is documenting their progress on the platform. Instead of blaming TikTok for triggering a depression in teens, the public should be thanking TikTok for its free therapeutic remedies.
Manchanda, T., Stein, A., & Fazel, M. (2023). Investigating the Role of Friendship Interventions on the Mental Health Outcomes of Adolescents: A Scoping Review of Range and a Systematic Review of Effectiveness. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 2160. MDPI AG. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032160
Background: Adolescence is a time for children to mentally develop between the ages of 10 and 24, during which they form friendships, form their identity, undergo physical and mental developments. During this time, humans also begin to develop social interests, but they are also at an increased risk for mental illness through this phase of development. Those who develop mental illness and depression during adolescence have an extremely high chance of being affected by it for a longer duration.
Intended usage: I will use this source to prove the importance of the development years for young children, especially during their teens. The aspect of forming social interests and an identity will also be helpful to argue the topics which teens may find interesting, or associate themselves with. Most importantly, I will mention how if a teen should develop depression during their formative years, it can impact them for their adulthood as well.
Garon, J. M. (2022). Parenting for the digital generation: A guide to digital education and the online environment. Rowman & Littlefield.
Background: While parenting is continuing to evolve as time goes on, it is now more challenging with the introduction of social media apps. Some parents allow their children to have free range of online apps, where others do not. Parents are now forced to look out for the various things their children are viewing or searching on the internet. In their formative years, it is extremely important for parents to look out for signs of declining mental health in their child contributing to what they are viewing online.
Intended usage: I plan to use this source as an opposition to my argument of social media being helpful to teens suffering from depression as they are able to find like minded creators struggling with the same battle. While this source provides information which discredits my hypothesis, I feel as if I can use it in a productive manner which will allow my readers to deem me to be a more reliable narrator.
McCashin D, Murphy CM. Using TikTok for public and youth mental health – A systematic review and content analysis. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry. 2023;28(1):279-306. doi:10.1177/13591045221106608
Background: TikTok is one of the most popular apps on the market, as it continues to catch the interests of various teens of all ages. While some say that TikTok is damaging the mental health of its users, others can prove that there has not been enough research done to prove that that is a true statement. Most people argue that TikTok has harmful content, when in reality some of the most liked and viewed videos are positive and promote inclusivity.
Intended Usage: I intend to use this source to prove the hypothesis that TikTok does have positive content on the app which can be helpful for users to view. I will also use the point of not enough research being done of the negative impacts TikTok has on users. The idea of inclusivity is very valuable for my argument, as such trait would improve the mental health of those whom are struggling.
Avella, H. (2023). “TikTok ≠ therapy”: Mediating mental health and algorithmic mood disorders. New Media & Society, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448221147284
Background: TikTok grew significantly over the course of the pandemic, and people began to find more about themselves and their interests through the app. Many found TikTok to be a positive mental outlet in such a grim time filled with depressive emotions. Through the communities on the app, many people, especially teens, were able to relate to one another and uplift each other since they understood how their fellow users were feeling. The TikTok algorithm includes therapeutic devices which connect with users and it models the diagnostic and charismatic forms of therapy.
Intended usage: I believe this is my strongest source by far, considering it reveals that TikTok contains components of therapy in which aids users who are struggling. Not only does the platform provide positive videos from users going through a similar situation, it also provides ideals similar to therapy in the algorithm, which are extremely helpful to my argument.
Tang X, Ding X and Zhou Z. (2023). Towards Equitable Online Participation: A Case of Older Adult Content Creators’ Role Transition on Short-form Video Sharing Platforms. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction. 7:CSCW2. (1-22). Online publication date: 28-Sep-2023.
Background: TikTok contains an abundance of videos which provide insight on how to appropriately approach battling mental health and depression. By viewing relatable content, users are able to cope with their feelings and take the advice of the content creators on their screens. Through the perception of a user, TikTok can serve as a positive place where they are able to escape their depressive feelings or thoughts.
Intended usage: I find it to be key to my argument that there are so many videos on TikTok that are able to help those who are struggling with depression. This statement alone will enhance my hypothesis and grant me various pieces of evidence and avenues to explore when it comes to finding comfort on an online platform.
Counterintuitive Fall 2024 
1. Investigating the Role of Friendship Interventions on the Mental Health Outcomes of Adolescents
—I admire the decision here to bring in NON-internet adolescent friendship/support networks, Sunflower. You don’t need to prove that Instagram or TikTok specifically provide support in five different sources. Any evidence that “sharing depression” alleviates depression is useful to your overall argument. Good strategy!
https://i0.wp.com/weliveinspired.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Swedish-Proverb.jpg?ssl=1
2. Parenting for the digital generation
—You’re right that social media place an extra burden on parents if exposure to them exacerbates their children’s suffering. BUT, it should also be pointed out that parents could partner with their kids to find support networks (of the sort you allege the internet provides) on their favorite media outlets. Right? Play both sides of this one.
3. Using TikTok for public and youth mental health
—I don’t know what this source has to say, exactly, but if it’s a “review and analysis,” it probably doesn’t “take sides.” You could find positive support for your “helpful networking” argument.
—AND, as you suggest, you could also find support for your claim that the data so far available is Flawed, or Incomplete, or Badly-Designed, or Inconclusive, or Irrelevant to your particular hypothesis (or whatever other objections/refutations you come up with). A double win if you can find both.
4. “TikTok ≠ therapy”
—This is a nice bit of claim (is it your own language or an excerpt?): The TikTok algorithm includes therapeutic devices which connect with users and it models the diagnostic and charismatic forms of therapy.
—I know I’m a pain in the ass, but don’t be too quick to proclaim a source your best available when it matches your hypothesis exactly. It’s thrilling to find, I’m sure, but it deprives you of originality. Be forever alert for the claim you can CONCLUDE from the evidence, your own bit of magic, even BETTER than what others have already demonstrated.
—Sorry, I can’t help myself. 🙂
5. Older Adult Content Creators’
—As in my reaction to your first source, I admire and endorse your study of materials that relate logically but tangentially to your hypothesis. I’m glad you don’t feel constrained to consider ONLY sources that relate directly to teens.
This is impressive work, Sunflower. I’m sorry I didn’t respond to it earlier. You might have found my reactions very supportive and confirmative. I hope it’s not to late to admire you.
Remember, this post gets expanded with whatever other sources you consult. Be sure to add new material as you gather it. When it’s complete, we’ll change the name of the post to “Annotated Bibliography” and it will go right into your Portfolio.
Provisionally graded. Revisions are pretty much required for this post-in-progress, and Regrades will happen every time I become aware of an update, including AFTER it goes into your Portfolio.
Thank you for the comments!