Tiktok has become Gen Z’s designated social media platform to share stories, create viral dance trends, and crafty tutorials in the form of short videos. In addition to unique entertainment, Tiktok has an algorithm that allows the videos to cater to each viewer's interests. According to The New York Times, Tiktok takes into account the amount of time a viewer spends watching a video and other factors such as likes, comments, and hashtags. This process may feed intriguing TikTok videos for each user, but it also has the potential to lead viewers down a dangerous rabbit hole of unhealthy videos, and in turn exacerbate many young adult user's struggle with mental illness. 

In addition, the surplus of videos on individual experiences of mental illness has led to the alarming process of self-diagnosing. With unprofessionals giving out free mental health advice through Tiktok videos, many viewers question if they have a certain illness because some symptoms resonate. Users tend to ignore the limitations of getting information through a screen rather than through a medical professional, which can often lead to incorrect diagnosis and unneeded treatment. According to Everyday Health, psychiatric diagnosis often requires subtle distinctions, distinctions that many teens cannot identify without professional help. For example, a person might suffer from mood swings because of blood sugar dysregulation, but think they have bipolar disorder, notes Philadelphia. If many teens believe they have mental illnesses from the biased misinformation spread on Tiktok, the mental health crisis might take on another disturbing facet. 

Tiktok has been a staple in social media, and its popularity grows by the minute. Those who spend ample amounts of time on the app may risk seeing the cynicism of having a steady stream of personalized videos. Viewers, especially teens, should be aware that the next time they start scrolling, they may face the dark side of Tiktok.