Tiktok's Impact on Mental Health among Pakistani Youth
Abstract
This research examines the influence of TikTok, a widely used social media site, on the mental health of young people in Pakistan. With the increasing global popularity of social media, platforms such as TikTok have become an integral aspect of the everyday routines of young people. TikTok has seen significant growth in popularity in Pakistan, particularly among teenagers and young adults. The objective of this study is to investigate the favorable and unfavorable impacts of TikTok use on the mental well-being of this specific group. The study adopted a primary data collecting method, using a structured questionnaire to capture pertinent information. The research used a simple and purposeful selection strategy, selecting a sample size of 200 participants from the target community of TikTok users. In order to get responses from the study participants, a questionnaire having 10 items was designed and distributed among participants. The quantitative survey collected data on the use patterns of TikTok, along with mental health indicators such as anxiety, sadness, and self-esteem, as well as demographic information. The results suggest an intricate correlation between the utilization of TikTok and the mental well-being of young individuals in Pakistan. On the one hand, TikTok offers a platform for artistic self-expression, social interaction, and amusement, all of which may have a good impact on mental well-being. Conversely, the excessive use of TikTok has been linked to heightened levels of anxiety, despair, and poor body perception as a result of exposure to unattainable beauty ideals and the act of comparing oneself to others. The study also emphasizes the cultural variables that shape the effect of TikTok on Pakistani adolescents. The platform may be influenced by the expectations of both family and society, as well as conservative beliefs, which might impact how young people view and engage with it. The cultural intricacies in Pakistan might influence the impact of TikTok use on mental well-being, setting it apart from other areas. The study's results provide tips to encourage healthy TikTok use among Pakistani adolescents. These initiatives include teaching young people about the need of conscious use, promoting active content production rather than passive consumption, and cultivating inclusive and supportive online communities. Furthermore, it is worth considering implementing regulatory measures to oversee and control the content and features on the platform, with the aim of safeguarding the psychological welfare of young users.
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