TikTok is a social media app that has taken the world by storm in recent years. With over a billion active users worldwide, TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular apps in the world, and it's not hard to see why. The app is designed to be incredibly addictive, and this is no accident. In this blog, we'll explore how TikTok is designed to be addictive and what this means for its users (especially those with OCD). 

• Endless Scrolling

  One of the most addictive features of TikTok is its endless scrolling feature. Unlike other social media apps, TikTok doesn't have a finite amount of content to scroll through. Instead, the app's algorithm is designed to keep users scrolling endlessly by suggesting new videos based on their previous likes and engagement. This means that users can spend hours on TikTok without realizing how much time has passed.

  For someone with OCD compulsions, the easy passage of time makes compulsions feel even more natural, and use can easily spiral.  In our office, Tiktok users with OCD are often shocked to see their screen time usage on the app, as compulsivity paired with algorithmic addictiveness warps their sense of time.  

• Short-Form Content

  Another reason why TikTok is so addictive is its short-form content. The app is designed to deliver bite-sized videos that are easy to consume and share. This means that users can quickly scroll through dozens of videos in just a few minutes, making it easy to get lost in the app.

  For a user with OCD, the short-form content lends itself easily to a lack of a natural stopping point, and “one more quick” hit of content allows the compulsion to feel easy.  

• Personalization

  TikTok's algorithm is designed to personalize the content that users see based on their previous likes and engagement. This means that every user's experience on the app is unique, and the content they see is tailored specifically to their interests. This personalization makes it easy for users to become invested in the app and spend more time on it.

  For an individual with OCD, the personalization can also reinforce fears about themselves (s.a. getting many weight loss videos that they feel compelled to watch and then receive even more, can reinforce body dysmorphia). 

• Notifications

  TikTok's notifications are also designed to be addictive. The app sends push notifications to users when someone follows them, likes their content, or comments on their videos. These notifications are designed to keep users engaged and coming back to the app.

  People with OCD may overindex to notifications, and may literally be unable to resist the compulsion of checking or clearing the notification when it pops up.  Users with OCD may find themselves compulsively needing to read and reread their comments.  

• Challenges and Trends

  Finally, TikTok's challenges and trends are designed to be addictive. The app encourages users to participate in viral challenges and trends by highlighting popular videos on the app's "For You" page. This creates a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and encourages users to spend more time on the app to stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

  Individuals with OCD are particularly susceptible to FOMO, and to having an exaggerated sense of how problematic it would be to miss an opportunity.  

* * * 

While TikTok can be a fun and entertaining app to use, it's important to be aware of its addictive design and take steps to manage your use if necessary.  It's important to note that TikTok, like any other social media platform, can be addictive and trigger compulsive behavior in people with OCD. If you have OCD, you may be more susceptible to becoming obsessed with the app and spending excessive amounts of time scrolling through it.

Here are some tips that may help you manage compulsive behaviors on TikTok:

1. Set time limits: Give yourself a certain amount of time each day to use TikTok and stick to it. This will help you avoid getting sucked into the app for hours on end.

2. Unfollow triggering accounts: If there are certain accounts or content on TikTok that trigger your OCD compulsions, consider unfollowing them or using the "not interested" feature to remove them from your feed.

3. Take breaks: If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed or anxious while using TikTok, take a break and do something else that is relaxing or enjoyable for you.

4. Practice mindfulness: If you notice yourself becoming obsessive or compulsive while using TikTok, try to bring yourself back to the present moment and focus on your breath or other grounding techniques.

5. Seek professional help: If your OCD compulsions are significantly impacting your daily life and you're struggling to manage them on your own, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support.

If you would like to seek professional help, please contact Kairos Wellness Collective today to learn more about our services.