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Students delete TikTok for studies - 14th November 2022

To stop getting distracted at exam periods, UK students are uninstalling TikTok, the video-sharing app. They say its addictive short videos prevent them from concentrating.

Eleanor Crabbe, a 22-year-old student attending Cardiff University, removed the app while she was revising. She explained, 'I delete and reinstall TikTok periodically because I noticed I spend too much time on it and get very addicted.'

Student Ed Barnes feels similarly, saying it's easy to 'lose track of time', because 'every video is so different, it's easy to keep watching.'

Psychologists are in agreement about TikTok's addictive quality and according to Dr Nia Williams of Bangor University, TikTok's personalised algorithm is extremely effective. When scrolling, the brain releases dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure, which makes the user feel good and forget other obligations.

Crabbe, while a TikTok fan, also noticed that the videos suggested to her were often fitness and fashion related. Some of the content made her feel 'pressure to look a certain way or buy certain things.'

Specialists use a checklist of questions to work out if TikTok is a habit or an addiction. Ask yourself, does TikTok keep you from spending time with your loved ones? Does it prevent you from enjoying your favourite activities? Do you feel anxious when you don't check TikTok? If you said yes to these questions, you may be addicted.

Catherine Keenan, a UK TikTok star, suggests students limit their screen time rather than uninstall TikTok. She explained the application can be beneficial, adding there were also handy tips 'on how to handle exams and stress.'

To those concerned about addiction, Dr Williams recommends putting your phone aside for an hour a day, or deleting the app for a week or month. What's important is to 'be in control of your phone, don't let your phone control you.'