TikTok, a short video platform that has become a global phenomenon in a few years, has not only changed the way we consume content, but has also begun to affect the mental health of millions of users, especially young people. In addition, in Ukraine, TikTok has become a tool for spreading disinformation and undermining public trust, which poses a serious threat to national security.
The research and analysis group InfoLight.UA has published a study “TikTok as a weapon that hacked large social platforms and attacks democratic institutions”below is a brief summary.
Mental damage: how TikTok affects the brain and behavior
“The TikTok brain: mechanisms of addiction
TikTok is built on the principle of dopamine loops. Each new video creates a small but unpredictable reward that stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for the feeling of pleasure. This mechanism is similar to how slot machines work: users cannot predict when they will receive the next “dose” of pleasure, which makes them constantly scroll through the feed.
This cycle leads to the formation of behavioral dependence, which manifests itself in:
- Uncontrolled increase in the time spent on the platform.
- The constant pursuit of short-term gratification, even when it interferes with long-term goals.
- Social isolation, as users spend more and more time in the virtual world instead of real social interactions.
Neurobiological effects
Studies published in scientific journals such as NeuroImage show that excessive use of TikTok causes structural and functional changes in the brain. Users with a high level of addiction have been observed:
- Reduced gray matter volume in areas responsible for cognitive control and memory.
- Attention deficit disorder: the ability to concentrate on tasks is reduced to 47 seconds.
- Increased levels of anxiety and depression, especially among young people.
For adolescents whose brains are still developing, these changes can have long-term consequences, including lowered self-esteem due to constant comparison with idealized images on social media.
Psychological consequences
TikTok actively influences the emotional state of users through content that evokes strong emotional reactions. For example:
- Adrenaline and norepinephrine are released when you watch disturbing or exciting content, which increases stress levels.
- Serotonin, the hormone of happiness, is activated when you watch calming content, but this is only a temporary relief.
- Oxytocin, which is responsible for the feeling of intimacy, is released when watching touching stories, but it is not a substitute for real social connections.
These mechanisms make TikTok extremely addictive, but also dangerous for mental health.
A threat to Ukraine: TikTok as a tool of disinformation
Spreading disinformation
In Ukraine, TikTok is actively used to spread disinformation, in particular about mobilization and the activities of territorial recruitment centers (TCCs). Typical videos are those claiming “illegal methods of recruitment” or “hunting” for conscripts. These materials are often accompanied by emotional appeals to avoid mobilization, which creates panic among the population.
The peculiarity of such campaigns is their coordinated nature. Studies have revealed networks of bots that synchronously spread the same narratives. By using cross-platform coordination (TikTok, Telegram, Facebook), disinformation quickly becomes massive, creating the illusion of veracity.
TikTok’s algorithms automatically promote content that evokes strong emotional reactions, regardless of its authenticity. This makes the platform an ideal tool for manipulation. For example, videos with emotional appeals or false claims quickly gain popularity, leading to the spread of panic and distrust in government institutions.
Disinformation campaigns on TikTok are aimed not only at discrediting the mobilization, but also at undermining trust in the state as a whole. Manipulative materials about corruption, abuse of power, and ineffective governance are being disseminated. This creates fertile ground for the spread of anti-state sentiment.
Conclusions: how to counter threats?
For users:
- Limit the time spent on TikTok using timers and parental controls.
- Take breaks while using the platform to avoid addiction.
- Develop critical thinking to recognize manipulative content.
For the state:
- Increase media literacy among the population, especially young people, through educational programs.
- Implement regulatory measures to limit the spread of disinformation.
- Cooperate with international organizations to combat cyber threats.
For parents:
- Monitor the content that children consume and discuss the risks of social media with them.
- Encourage alternative forms of leisure, such as reading, sports or art.
Bottom line.
TikTok is not only entertainment, but also a powerful tool that can cause serious harm to both mental health and social stability. For Ukraine, the platform poses a particular threat by spreading disinformation and undermining trust in government institutions. A comprehensive approach including education, regulation, and international cooperation is needed to counter this. TikTok is transforming not only our habits but also our way of thinking, making us addicted to quick and superficial gratification. This causes not only personal problems, but also poses a threat to democratic institutions and national security.
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