Researcher II University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Background: Engagement with TikTok content has shown varying associations with mental health outcomes. It remains unclear whether engaging in TikTok activities that an adolescent perceives as important, such as uploading videos with friends, is associated with higher mental wellbeing. Objective: We examined associations between adolescents’ engagement in 3 specific TikTok activities and mental wellbeing. We also tested for differences by importance placed on specific technology interactions. Design/Methods: Adolescents aged 13-18 years were recruited via Qualtrics panels in fall 2021. An online survey included the validated Adolescent Digital Technology Interactions and Importance (ADTI) scale and its 3 factors: 1) Technology to bridge online/offline experiences, 2) Technology to go outside one’s identity or offline environment, and 3) Technology for social connection. The survey also asked about engagement in 3 specific TikTok activities corresponding to ADTI factors: uploading a video alone (Factor 1), creating a profile/content with a different identity (Factor 2), and uploading a video with someone (Factor 3). Mental wellbeing was assessed using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Analyses tested for associations between engagement in specific TikTok activities and mental wellbeing and moderation by the corresponding ADTI factor. Results: Among 2206 participants, about half identified as female (50%) and white (47%). Mean age was 15.91 years (SD = 1.77). The majority (77%) reported TikTok use. Uploading a video alone was not associated with mental wellbeing (p = .308), and ADTI Factor 1 did not significantly moderate this relationship (p = .078). Creating a profile or content with a different identity was negatively associated with mental wellbeing (β = -2.04, p < .001). Moderation analyses showed that at higher levels of importance placed on ADTI Factor 2 this association was positive (β = .438, p = .004), but at lower levels the association was negative (β = -.948, p < .001). Posting a video with someone else was positively associated with mental wellbeing (β =.823, p < .001). Moderation analyses showed a stronger positive association at higher levels of importance placed on ADTI Factor 3 (β = 1.17, p < .001) than at lower levels (β = .462, p = .014).
Conclusion(s): Adolescents’ engagement in TikTok activities they view as important may be associated with positive mental health outcomes.
