TikTok Tic- Tok, Time For Depression To Go Away!

When teens find a community on TikTok, it causes their depression to be reduced and even cured in some cases. The various forms of content aid viewers in their recovery and allow the sufferers to cope with particular symptoms of depression. Relatability amongst content creators allows users to feel as though they have a companion and role model to guide them through their adversity, which leads to an improvement regarding their mental struggle. Teens are able to find comfort in the short videos of the user, which impacts their mood and mental state. The more a viewer watches the content which a creator posts on TikTok, the more relief they will be able to feel, as they are connecting with the influencer. 

When a teen frequently views the videos of a particular creator or videos which pertain to a specific topic, the TikTok algorithm begins to pick up on this. The TikTok algorithm will continue to generate content which is related to or similar to the content that the view found to be most interesting. As a sufferer begins to use TikTok more and interacts more frequently with the videos on their screen, the algorithm spits out similar videos. When a user shares, likes, comments, saves, or watches a video for an extended time period or even more than one time, it causes the algorithm to recognize the post as something the viewer enjoyed. The more the user does this, the more refined their content will quickly become, allowing their whole feed to be content they desire. 

Various types of videos are posted on the app, serving as a way for users to express themselves. Through this concept, some users choose to post comedic videos, while others post about their lives, some post dances, and a majority of content creators post about a cause or experience that is near and dear to their heart. In this specific case, influencers that post about their struggle with depression are extremely appealing to users that are suffering from the same mental struggle. As a sufferer using TikTok continues to interact with and view the videos of the content creator who is sharing their personal testimony regarding their struggle, the algorithm built into the app will recognize it. Once the algorithm acknowledges the consistencies within the videos being liked by the user, specifically the videos regarding depression, videos containing information about depression are more commonly shown to the sufferer. 

Each time a TikTok user who is suffering from depression opens the app, content that can serve as a form of therapy that is able to be displayed on their screen. Through the continued use and interaction within the app, the TikTok algorithm will successfully present the content of relatable influencers which sufferers long for. By viewing and engaging in the generated content, users dealing with the debilitating thoughts of depression are able to stimulate a response to the content, allowing it to serve as a coping mechanism. Through this concept, TikTok takes on a new reputation of being a positive resource in treating mental health struggles, particularly depression. Videos ranging from seconds to several minutes provide consultation for the watching sufferer, allowing them to particularly focus on content which is most helpful to their recovery. 

While therapy is seen to be a valuable resource for treating depression, it is not available all the time, and not all civilians suffering with depression have access to therapy. By having a one hour appointment once a week, it gives users limited time to develop coping mechanisms to combat their depression and even less time to speak about their feelings. Through this free online platform, users who are fighting the debilitating feelings are able to open the app at any time, and watch any video that will aid in their struggle for an unlimited amount of time. TikTok can serve as a form of therapy in a moment’s instance, whereas physical therapy must be scheduled and planned. By having the app, serving as a coping mechanism, in the palm of the hand of a user suffering from depression, it allows relief to be almost instantaneous. Once the content consumer finds an influencer who helps them battle their struggle, they are able to open the app directly to their page and find a feeling of peace and escape from the depressive thoughts consuming their mind. 

Once the content within the app known as TikTok is able to cure or lessen the dark and depressive thoughts of a user, they have the ability to share their story. If one chooses to, they could also make videos discussing their battle with depression and what helped them out of the situation. By viewing the potential video which the said person could create, it will then continue to reach others who are sharing that same struggle, allowing for a community to be formed. Through this process, more and more content consumers struggling with depression are able to be reached, enhancing the therapeutic component within the app. If a user is not comfortable making videos or sharing their story regarding their previous, or current, depressive state, they have the ability to comment on videos, which will still reach their intended audience. Through captivating the audience in the comments, the user will still be able to share their story without having to verbally speak or show their face on the platform. Through the connections made between users in the comments and the influencer who posted the content, a community can be formed which addresses the struggle with depression. Each member of the newly developed online depression community has the ability to lift the other users up through their testimonies, reminding them they are not alone within this dark period in their life. The TikTok group is also able to share coping mechanisms which helped them recover from their depressive state or episodes, overall bettering the lives and mental health of those who associate with the community. 

References

Behar, Virginie. “Healing the Depressed Self: A Study of Social Media Therapy.” DIVA, 21 June 2023, http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1771491&dswid=9058.