After being scrutinised for its impact on users’ mental health, TikTok, the ByteDance-owned social media platform, has announced a series of initiatives aimed at promoting mental health awareness among its users. These initiatives are part of TikTok’s efforts to alleviate concerns about the potential negative impacts of the platform on user’s mental health, which were highlighted in a recent study by the University of Minnesota.
The study found that while TikTok offers a sense of community and aids in self-discovery, the platform’s algorithmic approach could expose users to harmful content, leading to distress and triggering negative emotions. The researchers also noted that users often find it challenging to discern the intentions behind creators’ content.
In response to these findings, TikTok is launching a new mental health awareness hub. Accessible via the #MentalHealthAwareness hashtag page, the hub aims to foster learning about well-being topics and connect users with advocates and organisations providing crucial mental health resources. The hub will be continuously updated throughout May with new educational and inspiring content from mental health and wellness-centred creators and organisations.
In a recent press release, TikTok stated, “This #MentalHealthAwareness Month, we’re announcing the launch of new initiatives aimed at promoting positive mental well-being, combating stigma, and providing support to our community.”
To further support mental health organizations, TikTok is donating over $2 million in ad credits to various organizations, including Alliance for Eating Disorders, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Crisis Text Line, Made of Millions, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Eating Disorders Association, and Peer Health Exchange.
Training sessions are also planned, designed to equip TikTok’s partners with necessary tools to share information during critical moments such as World Mental Health Day and the back-to-school season.
TikTok is additionally spotlighting 10 creators who have utilised the platform to raise mental health awareness. They are being recognised for their significant contributions towards educating the TikTok community on mental health topics and fostering open, honest, and authentic conversations.
This new initiative by TikTok comes on the heels of the American Psychological Association (APA) issuing its first-ever health advisory on social media last week. The APA’s advisory focused on the role of parents but also criticised algorithms that lead young users towards potentially harmful content, including posts promoting self-harm, disordered eating, racism, and other forms of online hate.
In a world where social media platforms are being heavily scrutinised for their role in influencing mental health, especially among younger users, TikTok’s proactive response could set a precedent for other platforms. The initiatives demonstrate TikTok’s commitment to understanding how its platform impacts users and developing strategies to foster a safer and more supportive online environment.
“Through continued collaboration with mental health organisations, content creators, and our TikTok community, we continue to raise awareness and foster a space where everyone can feel heard and supported — during #MentalHealthAwareness Month and beyond,” TikTok stated in a recent blog post.
