#UX_Research
#Exploratory
TikTok Usage and Moderation Strategies
Exploring people's definitions of social media overuse and strategies used to overcome it.
BACKGROUND
What is TikTok?
Reducing time spent on social media platforms can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms caused by them.
Best known for its For You page, TikTok shows the user videos based on other videos the user has interacted with.
It is popular around the world
and has been installed more than 3.5 billion times.
4x more than Snapchat
3x more than Snapchat
2x more than Facebook & Instagram
EXISTING RESEARCH
Motivations & Interventions
TikTok is a social media app that uses videos to share content.
However, there are no clear intervention methods for those addicted to social media or how they are motivated to part ways with it.
SO OUR QUESTION WAS...
What strategies have people used to eliminate or reduce their overuse of TikTok? And why?
We surveyed 80 people and
interviewed 5 participants.
Survey via
Interviews via
57 out of 80 participants said they attempted to limit their TikTok usage in the past.
Research Analysis
Surveys
We adopted an inductive approach to code data from our survey, which required starting with an open mind and no predetermined themes.
The team gained new perspectives by minimizing bias during the data analysis process.
Interviews
We adopted a deductive approach to coding our interviews. Predetermined themes were selected as a team based on observed patterns during interviews.
Each member coded their own interview, then examined other interview codes to ensure that all researchers were on the same page.
Key Findings
01
Being mindful of scrolling helps reduce TikTok usage.
“It’s been a better relationship with with TikTok just because I go on it more intentionally now... I go on it for work purposes...or keeping up with the accounts that I follow.”
02
Strategies to reduce TikTok use generally fall under two categories.
Self-discipline
External preventative measures
“Relinquishing my control and freedom over it and giving somebody else the password... that’s so helpful.”
03
Deleting the app helps! until it’s back on the phone.
“For me, deleting the app helped me the most. I’ve redownloaded it before, but once I feel like I’m using it too much, I get rid of it.”
04
Faith-based practices can help limit TikTok usage.
“I gave up [TikTok] for Lent last year.”
Insights
01
Accountability
Record screen time
Out-of-sight,
out-of-mind
Remove from device
02
Spend hours on their phone
Neglect doing other activities
Feel negative emotions
FUTURE DIRECTION
What are the underlying causes that prevent TikTok users from doing other activities in their free time?
Next steps for this area of study could include exploring the underlying factors that drive people to use TikTok excessively, particularly when they express feelings of boredom.
In our study, some participants mentioned trying other hobbies to reduce TikTok overuse but did not elaborate on why other activities such as reading, completing puzzles, or taking a walk do not always work in reducing TikTok overuse.
Investigating underlying factors will provide more detailed insights on design interventions or strategies that can help individuals reduce their TikTok use and find alternative activities that are more fulfilling.