July 25, 2024, 9:00 am | Read time: 8 minutes
TikTok is fun, as proven by the app’s global success. However, the social media platform hosts more than just harmless content like the almost proverbial dance videos. Young users, in particular, should be informed about the potential dangers.
Short video clips, quick swiping, and an algorithm that keeps feeding you more entertaining videos. TikTok’s concept is so compelling that the app ranks among the top five most popular social media apps. This places the app from the Chinese company Bytedance right behind Instagram, which has been inspired by TikTok with its “Reels” (short videos). According to “Statista,” 1.562 billion people worldwide used the app in January 2024. Additionally, there are 752 million users of Douyin. Douyin is the sister app allowed in China, as TikTok itself is not permitted in the Chinese market. When combining the user numbers of both apps, they even surpass Instagram and WhatsApp.
Overview
Besides the fast-paced video format and simple operation, the entertaining content and the hope for internet fame contribute to the app’s success. Dance videos of young people are almost symbolic, but comedy accounts, BookTok, and other entertainment formats also take place on TikTok. However, there are also serious downsides. In addition to espionage allegations and proceedings against the app and Bytedance, problematic content is also found on TikTok. From manipulative advertising to propaganda and misinformation to cyber-grooming, there are several dangers that require special awareness, especially among young users.
Sexual Harassment and Cyber-Grooming
TikTok is particularly popular among young users. Although the service is only allowed for those 13 and older, and according to the terms and conditions, parental permission is required for those under 18, many videos show children who appear to be much younger, reports the parent portal “schau-hin.info”. The app frequently features new videos of minors singing and dancing to popular hits under hashtags like #bellydance or #bikini. But even though the app’s design suggests it, TikTok is not a safe place. Cases of cyber-grooming are common.
In cyber-grooming, users–usually adults unknown to the victims–establish contact with minors through the app. Then, sometimes within minutes, they steer the conversation toward topics of love and sex. They send pornographic material to the minors–which is illegal–or ask the young girls and boys for pictures or videos of themselves. Often successfully. Especially children, but also older teenagers, experiment with their self-presentation and sometimes with their sexual appeal.
If they comply with the stranger’s requests, it usually leads to outright terror. The perpetrators threaten to spread the images further if their victims do not send more recordings. Not infrequently, the blackmailers also force the girls and boys to meet in person to rape them.
Abuse Without Physical Contact
The perpetrators try to lure their victims to other platforms (such as Chatroulette). There, due to a lack of control options, they have an even easier time. Such actions are punishable as preparation for sexual child abuse. Cyber-grooming is considered a criminal offense. No physical contact is necessary for this form of abuse. Parents should therefore secure evidence, such as screenshots, and report any suspicions to the police.
When asked about cyber-grooming, TikTok’s creators point out that they have set up a safety network that closely monitors content. “The app has a variety of protective measures and ensures 24/7 moderation to reduce the potential for abusive use of the app.” However, the provider notes that no system is infallible. Simply due to the sheer volume of posts to be monitored, cyber-grooming cannot be completely prevented.
More Media Literacy Against Propaganda and Deepfakes
Just like Instagram, younger generations are increasingly using TikTok as a search engine and information source. The rapid spread of populist positions, propaganda, misinformation, and AI-generated deepfakes is difficult to prevent. According to its own statements, TikTok is working on 15 different fact-checking collaborations, including with Correctiv, to “apply our strict rules against misinformation in a fair and responsible manner by verifying the accuracy of potentially misleading claims.” Users are also encouraged to report content that violates the guidelines.
Despite this, a lot of misinformation can still be found on TikTok–even among the first 20 results–as NewsGuard found in 2022. In the “Misinformation Monitor,” it was revealed that out of 540 TikTok search results, 105 videos contained false or misleading claims. That’s 19.4 percent. NewsGuard also noted that TikTok suggested biased additions for neutral search terms like “climate change” or “covid vaccine”: “climate change doesn’t exist,” “covid vaccine truths,” or “covid vaccine exposed.” Thus, not only does misleading information occur in the app, but TikTok also amplifies their reach during searches.
The combination of misinformation and AI is also becoming increasingly relevant. Since AI tools can now create deceptively realistic deepfakes, including videos, a higher level of media literacy among users is crucial. While some deepfakes can still be identified by small visual errors or an “AI” label, for others, the only solution is to fact-check. As AI-generated content is likely to increase, both adult and minor users must continue to educate themselves.
In-App Purchases and Advertising
Another risk is the possibility of in-app purchases. This feature is primarily used by minor users to support other users with virtual gifts. Instead of small tokens of appreciation, the recipient ultimately receives money in the form of a credit. Apart from that, money can also be spent directly in the app on other things, such as special effects to further enhance the videos.
Due to the possibility of falling into a financial trap, it is extremely important to educate children and teenagers. Parents should introduce them to the different forms of advertising and educate them about the various payment processes. Ideally, especially children, but sometimes also teenage users, should make downloads and purchases only in consultation with their parents.
In addition to purchasing enhanced app features, TikTok also has shops operated by users. The TikTok account serves as a showcase for goods, such as clothing, making it increasingly difficult to identify advertising as such. The same applies to advertising by influencers. In this area, too, parents should educate children and teenagers about hidden advertising strategies.
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Setting Up a TikTok Profile Together
To provide their children with more security when using the app, parents are advised to set up the app together with their child. Clear agreements can be made and rules established regarding posting and chatting on TikTok. This is the only way to influence and educate about certain misbehaviors and dangers.
If the profile is set up under supervision, parents are on hand if questions and uncertainties arise. This way, children perceive them as contact persons for technical questions right from the start. With this approach, it can be discussed and decided together which profile settings are sensible or what type of videos can be published in what form.
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Establishing Rules of Conduct
Establishing clear rules forms the basis for teaching children responsible use of the app. Post with care! Do you really want to share your current location with everyone? Caution regarding one’s own posts is undoubtedly the first thing young people should learn. It is equally important for them to know how to behave when receiving inappropriate comments or messages. Here, children should be made aware that they can always turn to their parents if they have problems. Another option parents can show is blocking and reporting other users.
Posts and users perceived as inappropriate can be reported by anyone using a function within the app. If children receive messages or comments on TikTok that unsettle them, scare them, or are not from peers, it is advised to use the reporting function. However, banned users are not prevented from re-registering. They can create a new profile without restrictions despite misconduct–even with a similar profile name.
Finally, the usage duration should also be clearly regulated and, if necessary, limited by a time limit. Apps like TikTok are designed to keep you spending as much time on them as possible. The addiction factor is high.
Protecting Privacy and Personal Data
Especially for children and teenagers, who often do not “think about the future,” it is particularly important to carefully consider which content they are allowed to publish and which they should generally avoid. The internet never forgets. In the seemingly safe community of social networks, teenagers post personal information or contributions all too quickly and carelessly.
If posts are made from a publicly accessible account, they can not only be seen by everyone but also saved and redistributed. Many young users are unaware of the potential problems that can arise from saving. In the worst case, image and video material can be manipulated with the help of AI tools and, for example, spread as pornographic material.
As a rule of thumb: A private account best protects against the views and messages of strangers or unwanted persons. Similar to Instagram, a private account allows you to decide who can follow you and who cannot. Children and teenagers should generally reject follow requests from unknown persons. In such an environment, it’s much easier to dance carefree.