Nowadays, social networks have revolutionized the way we communicate, share information and entertain ourselves. One of the platforms that has gained great popularity in recent years is TikTok, a short video application that has attracted millions of users around the world, mainly young people and teenagers. However, along with its success and massive reach, concerns have also arisen about the impact TikTok may have on the behavior of its users, especially as it relates to substance abuse.
The rise of TikTok and its influence on young people
TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms, with a diverse audience ranging from teenagers to adults youths. The app allows users to create and share short videos, which has led to the creation of viral trends and challenges that spread quickly across the platform.
One of the most worrying aspects of TikTok is its ability to influence the behavior of its users, especially the youngest ones. The app's algorithms are designed to display relevant content for each user, which can lead to constant exposure to videos that promote risky behaviors, such as substance use.
Previous studies on the impact of Social media in substance abuse
Previous research has revealed that social media use may be associated with an increased risk of substance abuse, especially among adolescents. These studies have found that exposure to alcohol, tobacco or drug-related content on platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook can influence young people's attitudes and behaviors related to substance use.
Additionally, social pressure and validation through likes and comments on social media can lead to nonconforming behaviors, which increases youth vulnerability to substance abuse.
Methodology of the study on TikTok and substance abuse
To investigate the possible link between TikTok and substance abuse, a study was conducted involving a representative sample of users of the platform, primarily adolescents and young adults. . The research was divided into several phases to evaluate different aspects of the relationship between TikTok and substance use:
1. Content analysis
In this stage, a random sample of videos published on TikTok that addressed topics related to alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other drugs were analyzed. The messages, images, and music used in these videos were examined to identify possible patterns or trends that could promote substance use.
2. User Survey
An online survey was designed to collect information about TikTok users' behavior in relation to substance use. The survey included questions about how often users viewed drug-related content on the platform, their perception of TikTok's influence on their attitudes toward substances, and whether they had experienced pressure to use substances after watching videos on the app.
3. In-Depth Interviews
In-depth interviews were conducted with a subset of TikTok users to further explore their experiences and perceptions of substance use on the platform. The interviews focused on understanding how the TikTok videos influenced the participants' attitudes and behaviors related to drugs.
Results of the study
The results of the study revealed that there is a significant relationship between TikTok use and substance abuse among youth. Below are some of the most relevant findings:
1. Exposure to substance-related content
More than 70% of users surveyed reported that they had watched videos on TikTok that promoted alcohol, tobacco, or drug use. This constant exposure to substance-related content increased the likelihood that users would have more positive attitudes toward substance use.
2. Influence on attitudes and behaviors
The majority of participants in the in-depth interviews revealed that TikTok videos had a significant impact on their attitudes and behaviors related to drugs. Some mention that they felt pressured by the culture of substance use that was promoted on the platform, which led them to experiment with drugs to fit in or feel part of the TikTok community.
3. Idealized images of substance use
It was identified that many videos on TikTok showed substance use in an idealized and glamorous way, which could distort users' perception of the real risks and consequences of substance abuse . . This positive representation of drug use could contribute to normalizing and desensitizing users to this type of behavior.
Implications for prevention and intervention
The findings of this study have important implications for health professionals, educators and parents, who play a crucial role in preventing substance abuse in youth. Some recommendations based on the results of the study include:
1. Education and awareness
It is essential to provide accurate, evidence-based information about the risks associated with substance use, especially through social media platforms like TikTok. Educators and health professionals must work together to create awareness campaigns that challenge positive and glamorous representations of substance use in digital media.
2. Parental Monitoring and Guidance
Parents should be actively involved in supervising their children's online activity and setting healthy limits around screen time and the type of content they access. It is also important to encourage open and honest communication about substance use so that youth feel comfortable discussing these topics with their parents.
3. Early Intervention
Mental health professionals and school counselors should be alert to signs of problematic substance use in youth and provide early interventions and emotional support. It is essential to address the underlying causes of substance abuse and offer healthy coping strategies to young people who may be experiencing social or emotional pressures.
Conclusions
In summary, the TikTok study and substance abuse has highlighted the significant influence that social media, particularly TikTok, can have on young people's drug-related behavior. It is essential to recognize the risks and challenges posed by constant exposure to substance-related content on digital platforms and work together to prevent substance abuse and protect the health and well-being of future generations.