TikTok Too Much? A Qualitative Investigation of Adolescent TikTok Use, Motivation, and Consequences

Abstract

TikTok use has grown rapidly since the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among adolescents. The goal of this study is to understand how and why teenagers use TikTok and how teenagers perceive these behaviors and motivations as contributing to their mental well-being. This qualitative, descriptive study involved interviewing teenagers one-on-one via Zoom regarding their TikTok use and how they perceived TikTok as influencing their well-being ( N = 31; Mage = 15.83). Thematic results revealed that teenagers mostly used TikTok to scroll, watch videos, create and send content, and meet friends. Participants primarily used TikTok for interpersonal reasons (such as entertainment) and for relational reasons (such as to communicate with others). When TikTok was used as a distraction or if they scrolled through depressing or adverse content, their mood declined, but if viewing entertaining content or connecting with others, participants perceived benefits for their well-being.