TikTok, a popular video-sharing platform, has become the subject of intense global scrutiny. The US government has issued an ultimatum, demanding that TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sell the app within 270 days or face removal from US app stores. This drastic measure stems from concerns that ByteDance may be compelled to share user data with the Chinese government, raising significant national security risks.
In a parallel development, the European Union has launched an investigation into TikTok Lite, a new app that utilizes a reward system. The EU’s probe centers on whether this system, which allows users to earn digital coins for completing certain tasks, poses a threat to the mental well-being of young users and violates EU regulations. Such concerns have prompted the EU Commission to criticize TikTok for launching TikTok Lite in France and Spain without adequately assessing the potential risks.
TikTok’s reward system has been identified as a highly addictive aspect of the app, particularly among children and young people who are drawn to the plethora of music and dance videos it offers. The EU Commission has expressed concerns that the app’s algorithms may be more effective in capturing user attention than those employed by other social media platforms, leading to increased screen time and potential mental health issues.
Research has indicated that excessive use of social media platforms, including TikTok, can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety, particularly among young users. A study conducted in March 2023 revealed that girls who use TikTok spend an average of 2.5 hours daily on the platform, with those experiencing symptoms of depression logging even longer usage times. Despite the potential negative effects, TikTok has refuted the allegations and has taken steps to address the concerns raised by the EU. The company has maintained its commitment to protecting user data and promoting responsible app usage.
