by Maleyah Melton

Most students everywhere use their phone whether it's for a call, text, scrolling through social media, or even just checking the weather for the day. For many teenagers, social media has become a regular part of their daily lives. But how does all that scrolling affect schoolwork and grades?

Tiktok can affect students in different ways. For some, it can be a distraction from homework, while others use it as a way to take a break or even learn new things. Kamdyn Patton said, “TikTok can be a distraction when I'm doing my homework, but it can also help me if I need a little break."

However, not every student sees TikTok as a distraction. Kenna O’Daniel said, “TikTok affects the way I complete my schoolwork but in a good way.”

Tiktok can also expose students to information they may not have encountered in class. Kenna O’Daniel also found Tiktok useful for school. She said, “I saw this video showing division or something and it helped me during math.” This was also seen by Kamdyn Patton as well. "I came across random historical facts while scrolling and that those facts could possibly help me on a test," Patton said.

However, Tiktok does not affect every student in the same way. Some students may be able to balance social media with their schoolwork, while others may find it harder to concentrate. “Tiktok's effect depends on the person because some people are good at multitasking and managing their time while others may find it harder to concentrate," said Patton

These student experiences demonstrate that TikTok is not always just entertainment. Educational videos can sometimes explain topics in a way that makes them easier for students to understand.

Students can have different experiences with the same app. Some may be able to use TikTok as a short break without losing focus while others may find themselves spending more time scrolling than they planned.

Whether TikTok helps or hurts your grades may depend on how you use it. FInding a balance between scrolling and studying could be the key to keeping your FYP from getting in the way of your GPA.