TikTok

TikTok’s Unchecked Mental Health Influence Raises Alarm

It is becoming increasingly apparent to psychologists that TikTok is having an adverse effect on mental health amongst its users, particularly adolescents, with an increasing number of users self-diagnosing with rare mental disorders as well as waves of teens showing identical [tic] patterns witnessed on popular TikTok accounts.

It is a great venue for teens and others to share information about their mental health struggles and avoid stigmatizing mental disorders through the use of a social media platform dedicated to posting short videos.

In the process of gaining popularity of the platform, mental health influencers have also become a new social media celebrity due to the platform.

There is now growing concern among some psychologists that TikTok users are not always getting information that is beneficial to their mental health, instead of harming it.

New York Licensed Psychologist Dr. Amy Beth Taublieb tells Top Class Actions that she is concerned about vulnerable young children or even adults who are hungry for information.

In the course of her career as a psychologist, Dr. Taublieb has seen a lot of potential benefits of the rise of the self-help movement on technology platforms; however, unchecked information is the problem.

“I don’t see TikTok as good or bad in and of itself, but I think that if it’s misused, it can do great harm,” she says.

TikTok’s mental health content leads to a rise in teens self-diagnosing

A recent surge in teens self-diagnosing with mental disorders has been linked to TikTok’s popularity of mental health content, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Several patients a week were self-diagnosing with relatively rare disorders, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD) and tourette syndrome, at a child psychiatric facility in Montana last summer.

Video clips containing the hashtag #bpd have been viewed 4.2 billion times on TikTok. However, there are only 1.6% of Americans who suffer from BPD according to recent research.

The popularity of #BPD content was a good thing, says TikTok mental health influencer and board-certified mental health clinician Dr. Kojo Sarfo. Using the hashtag himself, he says he is getting evidence-based information about the disorder out to people.

“I am well aware that borderline personality disorder is one of the most misunderstood issues facing society today. We should educate the youth about this condition and remove the stigma associated with it,” he says.

The internet, he says, has “a high chance of misinformation.” He hopes people are curious enough about mental health topics to keep educating themselves.

Social media users have little protection against misinformation.

TikTok is not only run by medical professionals, but anyone can post mental health content, and the videos are not fact-checked in any way.

Dr. Taublieb says there isn’t a ton of legislation or control over who posts about Tourettes or BPD on TikTok.

TikTok might seem like a safe place to figure out why they aren’t feeling well, but people could end up misdiagnosing themselves.

‘I strongly believe that no psychological, emotional, or psychiatric diagnosis can be made with a questionnaire,’ says Dr. Taublieb.

If you’re worried about your teen, she advises you to talk to them.

The TikTok tics are mirrored on all platforms.

In addition, neurologists are blaming TikTok for an increase in teens seeking medical treatment for involuntary tics.

There have been 5.6 billion views of videos with the hashtag #tourettes on TikTok, despite the Centers for Disease Control estimating that 0.3% of children aged 6–17 in the United States have the syndrome.

Researchers found certain tics, such as saying “beans” in a British accent, were mirrored by young people across social media platforms after assessing videos with the keywords “tic,” “tourette” or “tourettes” published on TikTok between Mar. 11, 2020 through Mar. 30, 2021.

“This appears to be an example of mass sociogenic illness, which is the spread of behaviors, emotions or diseases spontaneously through a group,” the study concluded.

It stressed that for clinicians in today’s world to be able to properly assess patients, they must be mindful of social media content.

Social media companies are under fire.

It has now been questioned whether TikTok is putting profits before the mental health and wellbeing of its users.

When teens use TikTok, they may be presented with content they don’t ask for on their “for you” page. If they watch mental health content, the app’s algorithm will continuously serve them similar content.

Concerns have been raised by the government about the effects of these platforms on young users.

According to a report by the U.S. Surgeon General on Youth Mental Health published in 2021, “Business models are often built around increasing user engagement rather than ensuring that users engage with one another in safe and healthy ways.”

According to the report, technology companies are maximizing time spent rather than spending time wisely.

Check out TikTok’s response.

Top Class Actions was told by a spokesperson for TikTok that, in regards to the study on TikTok tics and social media, the company is consulting closely with experts, who point out that correlation does not imply causation, and that more research is necessary to understand this specific experience.

According to TikTok, people living with Tourette Syndrome have found a place on the platform where they can face stigma and express themselves authentically.

Despite teens self-diagnosing themselves with mental disorders after viewing mental health content on TikTok, a representative of the company tells Top Class Action that it invests in digital literacy programs that help people evaluate and comprehend the content they engage with on the Internet.

According to the spokesperson, individuals who require support should seek professional medical advice.

Take Action

It is possible to sue these companies if you or your child suffer from depression, eating disorders, cutting, body dysmorphia, or other mental health conditions.

TikTok

France Lifts TikTok Ban in New Caledonia After State of Emergency Ends

(CTN News) – In a pivotal move following the conclusion of a state of emergency in New Caledonia, France has lifted its ban on the TikTok social media app.

The ban was initially imposed two weeks ago amidst violent protests and unrest that left seven dead and many injured on the French-Pacific territory.

The decision to lift the ban coincides with the easing of tensions after President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the archipelago, where he pledged not to force through reforms to New Caledonia’s voting system.

The unrest erupted as indigenous Kanaks protested against planned electoral reforms, prompting the French government to declare a state of emergency.

New Caledonia Struggles for Peace

New Caledonia, with its population of about 300,000 people, including 112,000 indigenous Kanaks, saw widespread protests and violence, leading to the deployment of 3,500 security personnel to maintain calm.

Despite the lifting of the ban, an overnight curfew remains in effect, and the international airport in the capital, Nouméa, will remain closed until at least Sunday.

The ban on TikTok, which was circumvented by many users through VPNs, was criticized by various groups as an attack on freedom of communication. Authorities, however, cited the platform’s use in spreading incitement and hatred during the unrest.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the French high commission in Nouméa indicated that the presence of law enforcement had contributed to the restoration of calm in the territory, justifying the decision to lift the TikTok ban.

French Member of Parliament Claude Malhuret raised concerns about foreign interference in the crisis, accusing countries like Azerbaijan of disseminating misleading images on social media to support separatist movements in New Caledonia.

Azerbaijan Accuses France of “Neo-Colonialist Policies”

Azerbaijan, in turn, rejected the allegations and criticized France for what it called “neo-colonialist policies.”

The decision not to extend the state of emergency beyond the initial 12 days reflects the Elysée Palace’s hopes for further calming of tensions, including the removal of roadblocks by protesters. These conditions are seen as essential for meaningful talks to begin.

While the pro-independence group CCAT has not signaled an end to protests, the main pro-independence group, FLNKS, is advocating for the withdrawal of France’s controversial voting reforms, which would grant voting rights to French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years.

The situation in New Caledonia remains fluid, with the French government closely monitoring developments in the hopes of achieving lasting peace and stability in the territory.

TikTok

TikTok’s Updated Guidelines Enhance Community Safety

TikTok announced updates to its Community Guidelines and the introduction of new features aimed at empowering creators and ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for the global community

(CTN News) – It has been reported that TikTok has released revised versions of its Community Guidelines and the introduction of new tools that are designed to provide the global community with a safe and pleasant environment, as well as to empower creators.

These enhancements will not be implemented until May 17, as indicated by a press release. They will encompass improved tools for monitoring account status, new features that simplify policy comprehension, and definitions that are more transparent and accessible.

The Community Guidelines on TikTok have been enhanced by the inclusion of definitions that are more easily comprehensible, as well as by increasing the quantity of information available regarding policies regarding content moderation, health misinformation, and hate speech.

Users will have a more comprehensive comprehension of TikTok’s policies and the methods used to enforce them as a result of these improvements, which will also increase the transparency of these procedures.

TikTok has instituted supplementary eligibility criteria to ensure that users are provided with a more secure environment.

The purpose of these requirements is to enhance the safety of the For You feed. If it is determined that a creator’s account has consistently posted content that violates these criteria, the account will be temporarily excluded from being recommended in the For You feed.

Another disadvantage is that the information they provide will be less prominently displayed in the search results. Whenever the opportunity arises, creators who are affected will receive notifications and will take advantage of the opportunity to contest these rulings.

TikTok is implementing a warning strike system to facilitate the understanding of the principles that the company has established by producers. The creator will receive a warning if they violate the Community Guidelines for the first time. This warning will not be deducted from the total number of strikes that have been assigned to their account.

Conversely, any subsequent violations will be subject to monitoring and appropriate punishment; this will be the case.

The founders of TikTok will be furnished with information regarding the specific guidelines that they have violated, and they will also be provided with assistance in understanding the appeals procedure for any errors that may have occurred.

TikTok will be introducing a new feature dubbed “Account Check” to offer supplementary assistance to content creators on the platform. Creators can audit their accounts and more recent postings with the assistance of this program. Furthermore, this application provides a comprehensive assessment of the creator’s status on the TikTok platform.

The ‘Account Check’ function will additionally indicate any content that has been withdrawn or restricted from the For You feed. It will also indicate any restrictions that have been implemented on features, such as direct messaging or remarks, as a consequence of violating the guidelines.

This utility serves as an adjunct to the current ‘Account status’ page. This page offers a comprehensive representation of a creator’s adherence to the platform’s regulations.

Furthermore, the TikTok Creator Code of Conduct is being introduced by TikTok.

This code will establish a set of standards for content producers who intend to engage in the diverse programs, services, events, and campaigns that TikTok has to offer.

This code, which will be implemented in the coming weeks, elucidates the obligations that creators have on and off the platform. The purpose of this is to guarantee that each participant has a consistent and positive experience.

With over one billion users worldwide, TikTok remains dedicated to improving the overall experience and the protection of its users. TikTok’s commitment to providing its creator community with the necessary resources and information to thrive on the platform is evident in these modifications.

TikTok

As the Future of TikTok Remains Uncertain, Users are Seeking Positive Alternatives

The fact that TikTok’s future is uncertain has made it even more important for users to have other sites they can use. Users can still express their creativity, connect with others, and be a part of groups that are focused on content creation with these alternatives. Given that ownership and rules could change, having a number of sites to select from lets users continue to share their skills and thoughts without any problems.

As we look at these other options, it’s important to keep in mind that social media is always changing. New platforms are always coming out to meet the needs of users. People who use these alternatives can broaden their views, find new features and tools, and connect with different groups. Users can deal with changes, find new chances, and stay connected in the digital world by choosing these options.

Fear not, though, because the internet is full of great options just waiting for TikTok’s die-hard fans to find them.

The Value of Supplemental Media Outlets

Having many platforms allows people to showcase their ability and ideas in new ways, which fosters creativity. Various features, tools, and effects are typically included with these platforms, allowing users to experiment with storytelling techniques and explore diverse creative styles. This is nothing new, even in the gaming industry. For example, if you’re not a fan of a game’s features or just want to try something different, you can always locate another one. This is especially true while playing for real money games or online casinos, where there are a variety of types. Here you may discover trustworthy websites such as Vegasslotsonline IN that provide in-depth reviews to assist you in making an informed decision. Creators may diversify their material and attract new audiences who might not be on these sites if they have different platforms to select from.

Let’s take a look at some of these tools that not only let you be creative but also build community and get people involved.

Triller

People can lose themselves in their favorite music and be creative at the same time. Utilizing the app’s extensive inventory of licensed music by well-known artists spanning a wide variety of genres, users are able to compose the ideal videos’ backdrops. Artists can express themselves through Triller’s extensive catalog, which includes the most recent mainstream hits, catchy hip-hop tracks, and old favorites alike.

Triller’s intuitive and user-friendly interface makes it easy to make beautiful music movies. It’s easy for users to record and edit videos, adding cool effects, filters, transitions, and text layers to make their visual stories more interesting.

Likee

It is an entertaining alternative to TikTok that you should consider exploring. It has a large number of inventive options and users from all over the globe. It enables users to discover new artists and produce unique content that appeals to audiences worldwide.

Likee is distinctive in that it contains an extensive collection of special effects and a vast array of artistic tools. Users have the opportunity to enhance their films with an element of mystique by experimenting with an extensive selection of filters, decals, and augmented reality (AR) effects. Likee provides users with an extensive array of opportunities to manifest their imaginations and express their creativity, including the ability to transform into adorable animals and explore fantastical virtual worlds.

Byte

It makes me miss Vine, where people could hold someone’s attention for only a few seconds. Users are pushed to think outside the box and make the most of every second on the platform, which leads to new ways of telling stories and making people laugh. Byte enables users to create memorable short films with brilliant punchlines, funny skits, or captivating stop-motion animation.

One of Byte’s best features is that it makes people feel connected. People from all walks of life who love making entertaining material are drawn to the platform. Byte gives you the chance to meet people who like your unique style and share your artistic vision. The helpful community on Byte makes sure that your skills are noticed and praised by letting you work together on movies and compete in friendly games.

Instagram Reels

As a possible fill-in for TikTok, Instagram did something brave and added Reels as a straight competitor. This tool gives Instagram users an experience that is similar to TikTok, but in the familiar Instagram interface. Reels quickly became popular because it lets users make short movies set to music. It’s also become a popular alternative for people who are already using the platform.

The fact that Reels has so many users is one of its best features. With more than a billion daily users, Instagram gives creators a built-in audience to show off their skills to many people. With so many users, content has a chance to go viral and get seen by a lot of people, which can help writers become even more famous and popular.