Using TikTok could exert a power of fascination and attraction so powerful on our brain that it might be likened to a form of addiction or hypnosis.

noli's read

Interest in the impact of short-form content on our attention is very strong in current research. An observational study conducted by Montag et al. (2021) suggests that the structure of the TikTok algorithm promotes such intense engagement that it can lead to problematic use in some users. This phenomenon is explained by the rapid feedback loop and infinite scroll, which continuously stimulate our curiosity and our satisfaction system. However, scientifically classifying this strong capture of attention as an "addiction" remains a subject of debate, as this term meets very specific criteria that do not apply to the majority of users. The image of hypnosis is therefore a captivating visual metaphor, but it exaggerates the scientific reality by obscuring our capacity for personal regulation. In summary, while research confirms the particularly captivating nature of the application, equating it to an absolute dependency is scientifically premature.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.