Abstract:

Previous studies suggest that TikTok can change the way that teenagers behave due to following what others post, the negative and risky videos that can be found on the app, and its broad popularity. There is a gap in the research of how the behavioral effects of TikTok vary based on where teens live and how frequently they are active on TikTok. This paper explores the behavioral impacts of TikTok on teenagers, ages 13-18, living in X County. Survey research was conducted in order to allow the researcher to discern if the effects of TikTok seen in X County are similar to those found on an global scale. The main findings are as follows: 1) the majority of participants experience more positive than negative effects of TikTok, 2) many participants do not post on TikTok at all or just occasionally and those who do participate in TikTok only do so to fit in, and 3) most participants do not engage in trends that are talked about globally that are viewed to be causing problems in other areas of the world. Future research may allow for an understanding of whether the effects of TikTok are more positive or negative.

Keywords: TikTok, behavior, participate, trends