TikTok addiction is a growing concern, especially among younger users, due to the platform’s highly engaging and personalized content. The app uses a powerful algorithm to serve users an endless stream of short, entertaining videos that can make hours pass by without notice. As a result, many people find themselves compulsively checking the app, often prioritizing it over responsibilities, relationships, or sleep. This addiction can lead to decreased productivity, reduced attention span, and a disconnection from real-life activities. Recognizing the signs early—such as anxiety when not using the app or a constant urge to check for new videos—is important for managing screen time and maintaining a healthy digital balance.
What is the herm?
The harm from TikTok addiction can be both mental and physical. Constant use of the app can lead to a shorter attention span, difficulty focusing, and reduced productivity in school or work. It may also contribute to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and a feeling of restlessness when not using the app. Socially, people may become more isolated, preferring virtual interactions over real-life relationships. Physically, prolonged screen time can lead to eye strain, headaches, and a sedentary lifestyle. In the long term, this addiction can disrupt routines, damage mental well-being, and weaken a person’s ability to manage time effectively.
Case in Vietnam
Minh Duc, a 21-year-old from Hanoi, used to spend at least five hours a day scrolling through TikTok. He frequently received a stream of short, humorous videos from friends, which kept him constantly engaged. Whenever he wasn’t on TikTok, he experienced a strong sense of FOMO (fear of missing out), feeling disconnected from trending topics that his peers were already discussing. “I once thought I would be left behind if not for TikTok,” Duc admitted.
“At first, TikTok felt entertaining and informative—but over time, I realized how much toxic and misleading content it was feeding me. What worries me most is that young users might accept these messages as truth without question.”
Initially, he viewed the platform as both “useful and entertaining,” even going so far as to recommend it to his younger sister, his parents, and many of his friends. Over time, however, his usage intensified. He found himself spending around two hours during the day and another three hours late at night scrolling endlessly through content.
“I would scroll until I was so exhausted that I fell asleep, usually around 1 or 2 a.m.,” he confessed. Over time, Duc began to realize the growing amount of toxic content he was being exposed to on TikTok. Although he occasionally voiced his opinions in the comment sections, he noticed that the more he shared his views, the more frequently TikTok’s algorithm—designed to keep users engaged at all costs—fed him similar, often problematic videos.
The turning point came in early February, when Duc stumbled upon a video listing the “top useless university majors.” The video labeled degrees such as Business Administration, Marketing, Real Estate Studies, and English Language Studies as “useless,” “non-prominent,” or fields that supposedly lead to unemployment and low income. For Duc, who was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English Language Studies at the University of Languages and International Studies, this content felt like a warning bell.
“I was upset by what I saw,” Duc shared. “I worried that high school students might take this misinformation seriously and be influenced in the wrong direction.”
In response, Duc began limiting his time on the app. As he distanced himself from TikTok, he noticed more troubling trends emerging. Users were increasingly being drawn into toxic narratives such as “drop out of school and start a business” or “making money is easy,” while others were being persuaded to purchase poor-quality products.
A recent survey conducted highlighted this issue, revealing that out of approximately 6,000 TikTok users surveyed, more than 81% reported frequently encountering toxic content on the platform.
