Today there is an asset that is almost as valuable as our money: our attention. Apps and services try capture our attention for as long as possiblesometimes using dark patterns to get it. If there is an app that is a tremendous attention eater that’s TikTok; has even been responsible for the appearance of the term ‘doomscrolling’. Now they want to give us tools to combat it.
Wellness news on TikTok
The app has just announced new measures focused on “relaxing, disconnecting and building healthier digital habits.” For this they have added a new section called ‘Time and well-being’ where we can see the time we have spent in the app and also do some extra exercises.
Image: TikTok
TikTok already allowed us to check the usage time and set daily limits, but now this section has been renewed with more functions to promote disconnection.
The first is an affirmations journal, where we can put how we are feeling and share it if we wish. It also has a meditation section with guided breathing exercises and also a section with relaxing sounds. In addition, there are several badges that we can get after checking various settings and watching a video with tips for having healthier digital habits.
Disconnect from TikTok, but without leaving TikTok
TikTok’s proposal to prevent us from falling into an endless spiral of ‘doomscrolling’ is to give us tools to disconnect, of course also within its application. A seamless plan.
Furthermore, they are tools with a high gamification component which in the end end up adding screen time and promote new habits to continue using the app, such as sharing your “daily affirmations” or getting the medals they give us after completing tasks.
The functions come at a time when there is a strong debate about the impact of technology on adolescent mental health. There are several countries betting on a radical solution: Completely block social networks for minors under 16 years of age.
AI companies are also facing public scrutiny following several controversial cases, such as teen’s suicide causing ChatGPT to launch parental controls. Prevention measures are coming, but the doubt of its true effectiveness It’s still in the air.
Cover image | Cottonbro Studio, Pexels
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