Students delete TikTok for studies - 14th November 2022

UK students are removing TikTok from their phones so they can study properly. The popular app, which allows users to share videos, keeps them from revising.

One Cardiff University student, Eleanor Crabbe, deleted TikTok while she was preparing for exams. The 22 year old said, "I noticed I spend too much time on it and get very addicted." For student Ed Barnes, "every video is so different, it is easy to keep watching" and you "lose track of time."

Psychologists agree TikTok users can become addicted. Dr. Nia Williams, from Bangor University, says TikTok feeds users videos to match their personal tastes. When watching, the brain produces a chemical called "dopamine", which gives a feeling of pleasure.

Experts use questions to find out if TikTok is a habit or an addiction. Does it keep you from spending time with friends and relatives? Does it take you away from activities you love? Do you feel stressed when you can't check it? If you responded 'yes', it's possible you're addicted to TikTok.

Some people advise against deleting the app. UK TikTok star Catherine Keenan says users should just limit their time on it. She reminds users of its advantages, for example its tips on "how to handle exams and stress."

If you think you're addicted, Dr. Williams suggests putting your phone away for an hour a day. Or you could uninstall the app for a while. Her advice is to "be in control of your phone, don't let your phone control you."