TikTok Cure

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.

How I used it: I was planning to 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 was mention how if a teen should develop depression during their formative years, it can impact them for their adulthood as well. I just decided to take a different path with my paper, but during the revision process I may come back to this.

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.

How I used it: From finding this source, I planned to use it 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 felt as if I could’ve used it in a productive manner which will allow my readers to deem me to be a more reliable narrator. I decided to go with another source, but this was great as it was one of the first sources I found. It helped me develop my argument.

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.

How I used it: I was able 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 also used 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.

How I used it: I believe this is my strongest source throughout the entirety of the essay, 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.

How I used it: I found 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 enhanced my hypothesis and granted me various pieces of evidence and avenues to explore when it comes to finding comfort on an online platform.

“Tiktok Shows Teens Harmful Content within Minutes, Study Says.” CNET, http://www.cnet.com/news/social-media/tiktok-shows-teens-harmful-content-within-minutes-of-joining-study-says/. Accessed 27 Nov. 2023.

Background: TikTok contains content which is harmful to teenage viewers, as it discusses various sensitive topics that could negatively impact the minds of users. The younger a viewer is, the more impact what they see has on them. By viewing content which discusses eating disorders, suicide, self harm, and various other fearing topics, teens may begin to think like this themselves, leading to a negative spiral to begin.

How I used it: I was going to reference this source when creating a rebuttal argument, as it is perfect for arguing against my point of TikTok being beneficial to the depression recovery of users. I could’ve used this source and ripped it to shreds, as it frames TikTok as the leading cause of putting harmful thoughts in the minds of teens, when in reality TikTok contains helpful content, the viewers just need to find it first. I decided not to rip it to shreds, but rather leave it intact for now. If I need another source, this is what I will come to as it drove me to choose the source I ended up refuting.

Siegel, Marc. “How Tiktok Can Harm Your Teen’s Mental Health.” New York Post, New York Post, 27 Mar. 2023, nypost.com/2023/03/26/how-tiktok-can-harm-your-teens-mental-health/.

Background: The New York Post claims that Congress is looking into TikTok for the harm it causes viewers and the ways in which it negatively impacts the mental health of the youth who view content. It can be argued that TikTok creates “copy cat behavior”, causing others to mimic the struggles that creators are talking about, worsening their own mental health.

How I used it: I was going to use this source as a point to refute, as one would have to mimic the behaviors seen on TikTok on their own, there is no way the app forces one to do so. I would’ve also considered the aspect of Congress looking into an issue that is being made into something larger than it needs to be, as unnecessary blame is being placed on TikTok. It made me realize this is more than just social media, but also an issue that high powered officials are looking into.

“How TikTok’s Algorithm ‘exploits the Vulnerability’ of Children.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 4 Apr. 2023, http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/apr/04/how-tiktoks-algorithm-exploits-the-vulnerability-of-children.

Background: The Guardian claims that the TikTok algorithm exploits children by allowing self harm and eating disorder content to be housed on the app, forcing children to see it which forces them to be susceptible to developing these thoughts themselves. By stating that underage children are on the app viewing harmful content, it is extremely damaging to them to view videos which are not full of dances or comedy.

How I used it: I would’ve loved to use this source as a rebuttal argument, as it likes to place the blame on TikTok for underage users on the app being exposed to such issues, rather than the parents keeping their underage children off of such social media platforms if it is so damaging to their mental health. Rather than bashing the app where the content is posted and which has age restrictions, perhaps we should focus on the parental controls which are failing, causing a social media platform to take all of the blame. Each of these points would be mentioned throughout the essay should this source be used. I almost used it, but instead chose another source to refute.

Yurkevich, Vanessa. “Why Experts Worry TikTok Could Add to Mental Health Crisis among US Teens | CNN Business.” CNN, Cable News Network, 11 Jan. 2023, http://www.cnn.com/2023/01/11/tech/tiktok-teen-mental-health/index.html.

Background: This source covers how experts are determining that TikTok is extremely harmful to users and even compares it to a dangerous drug. CNN also covers how there are various politicians stating that changes must be made in regards to youth on TikTok, as this is the cause of the current youth mental health crisis.

How I used it: This source is what I used to refute the opposing side in my essay, as TikTok and its content being compared to a drug which kills people angered me. I also used this source as it touches upon the mental health crisis of youth, which I agree is happening, but my essay works to prove that TikTok can be a cure for this crisis.

“Global: TikTok’s ‘for You’ Feed Risks Pushing Children and Young People towards Harmful Mental Health Content.” Amnesty International, 9 Nov. 2023, http://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/11/tiktok-risks-pushing-children-towards-harmful-content/.

Background: Through the aspects on the algorithm of TikTok, random videos can pop up before the algorithm is able to determine what videos the user prefers, causing them to see videos which may trigger them. These videos can be harmful, leading to a negative mental health impact. By watching more and more videos, the more frequently their mental health will be impacted.

How I used it: I used this source as something to read through to gain ideas about which direction I wanted to go when it comes to rebuttal arguments. It was very clear to me that I did not want to use this source, as I would’ve found it difficult to write enough to refute this source. The specific cases did not appeal to me, so I did not use it.