Considering TikTok only became a household name in the UK in lockdown 2020, it’s infiltrated most of our screens. Why? Because it’s built to keep you hooked. But do we really know what it’s doing to our brains?
The term “TikTok Brain” is widely searched on the platform itself, and has been coined to describe the negative effects that overuse of the platform (and similar ones) can have on our brains. And while TikTok offers endless entertainment, its impact—especially on young minds—is starting to raise concerns.
What Is TikTok Brain?
“TikTok Brain” is a term that’s become a catch-all for the impact short-form, highly engaging videos have on our attention spans. In other words, the more we get sucked into TikTok’s never-ending stream of fast-paced content, the harder it becomes to focus on anything else. Gen Alpha are even calling mind-numbing content on the platform “TikTok Brainrot” - because they feel like it’s literally rotting their brain.
Parents are noticing their kids can’t sit through a full movie anymore because it feels “too slow.” Homework? That’s becoming a massive struggle too. The brain, particularly in kids, is so used to these rapid dopamine hits from TikTok that more “boring” activities, like reading or even chatting with friends in real life, become harder to enjoy.
Why Does TikTok Do This to Our Brains?
TikTok is designed to keep you hooked. The algorithm is like your personal hype man, constantly feeding you content it knows you’ll like. But this is where things get tricky. Studies show that these personalised feeds light up the same part of the brain associated with addiction. One study in China found that brain scans of students watching TikTok-style videos showed addictive behaviour, as their brains craved the next video, and the next one... You get the idea.
Now, TikTok isn’t the only app that does this. YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms use similar tactics, but TikTok’s short, snappy videos take it to another level. The content is fast, it’s fun, and it’s so easy to keep scrolling. Plus, it tends to show you a feed full of strangers rather than people you actually know. Before you know it, hours have passed, and your brain has been trained to expect quick rewards, making it harder to focus on anything that doesn’t give that instant dopamine hit.
Symptoms of TikTok Brain
Here are some signs to look out for if you think your scrolling habits might be impairing your cognitive function
- Shortened Attention Span: If you're finding it harder to focus on longer tasks—like reading a book or watching a movie—you’re not alone. Research shows that constant exposure to short-form content can make longer activities feel “boring” or too slow.
- Difficulty with Focus: Struggling to complete projects that require sustained attention? The constant switching between videos may be training your brain to crave novelty, making it harder to stay on task.
- Restlessness: You may feel mentally restless or jittery, unable to sit still or do nothing without reaching for your phone.
- Memory Issues: Some studies suggest that overuse of TikTok could affect working memory, making it harder to retain information over time.
- Addictive Behaviour: If you feel compelled to check TikTok every few minutes or find it difficult to stop scrolling, you might be experiencing signs of social media addiction.
How It Affects Kids (And Adults, TBH)
The problem is even bigger when it comes to kids. Their brains are still developing, and constantly bombarding them with fast-paced, highly engaging content might not be the best thing for their attention spans. Studies suggest that the more time young people spend on TikTok, the more likely they are to struggle with focus, memory, and even mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Parents are also noticing behaviour changes in their kids. An article by Wall Street Journal mentioned how kids couldn't sit still for a two-hour movie, something they would’ve easily done before. Others are seeing their children get frustrated or anxious when it’s time to switch off the app and focus on schoolwork or other tasks.
Why We Keep Mindlessly Scrolling?
So why do we keep coming back, even when we know it’s not good for us? Well, the brain loves novelty, and TikTok offers exactly that. The algorithm tailors your feed to show you content you’re most likely to engage with, and each video is different. And when we engage, we get a little hit of dopamine (that “feel-good” chemical), which keeps us mindlessly scrolling.
As tech addiction expert Dr. Anna Lembke puts it, social media feeds, unlike other addictions, never run out. You can binge TikTok for hours without any “stopping point,” unlike, say, when you run out of cash at a casino. And this constant stimulation impacts our ability to focus on things that aren’t TikTok—like school, work, or even just hanging out with friends.
Can TikTok Be Good?
It’s not all doom and gloom. Social media, including TikTok, can be a source of joy, creativity, and even learning. Many people have used TikTok to express themselves, find community, or learn something new. One study from the University of Oxford even found that being connected to the internet can improve wellbeing, if used correctly.
But there’s no denying that, for some of us (especially kids), the negatives outweigh the positives. The key here is balance, and let’s be honest, that’s hard when the app is designed to keep you on it as long as possible to make money.
What Can You Do About It?
The truth is, TikTok and other social media platforms are part of our world now. But knowing how they work—and the effect they have on our brains—can help us use them more mindfully.
Here are a few actionable steps to help mitigate the effects of TikTok Brain:
- Set Time Limits: TikTok’s addictive nature means you can lose hours without noticing. Setting daily limits on screen time helps reduce the risk of overuse.
- Encourage Mindful Use: If you're using TikTok, try to be conscious of how much time you're spending and how it's affecting your mood or concentration.
- Diversify Activities: Make sure that time spent on TikTok is balanced with other, more engaging activities, such as reading, exercising, or face-to-face social interactions.
- Take Regular Breaks: Give your brain time to reset. The Pomodoro technique (working in 25-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks) can help re-train your attention span.
- Consider a Digital Detox: Taking a break from TikTok or any social media platform can help you regain control of your attention and reduce the constant craving for instant gratification. (P.S That’s exactly what we offer - 3 night digital detoxes in an off-grid cabin!)
In Conclusion
TikTok has its place—it’s fun, creative, and brings people together. But it’s crucial to be aware of its impact on our brains, particularly for younger users. By understanding the symptoms of TikTok Brain and taking proactive steps to manage screen time, you can enjoy the platform without falling into its more harmful patterns.
Remember, the key to maintaining a healthy relationship with social media is balance.
