TikTok or Not TikTok: Students’ TikTok Utilization and Academic Engagement

Background: As of 2024, TikTok is being investigated in the United States for societal harm apart from other possible harms. This research thoroughly examines the students’ TikTok utilization, their academic involvement and relationship between those two. The complex aspects driving TikTok engagement and its impact on academic performance have been analyzed through correlation analysis by the data collected from university students in the United States. Findings: Our research highlights that the student population is aware of the potential harm of social media, TikTok in this case. Besides, the results reveal a negative association between students’ self-reported TikTok utilization and their academic success. While students are aware of the potential harms of social media, factors like frequent checking behaviors and prioritization of academic goals subtly influence their TikTok engagement. This highlights the complex interplay between personal choices and academic obligations. Implications: Our findings underscore the critical need for early interventions to promote responsible TikTok usage and support academic achievement in the digital age. This information will assist educators in developing more proactive action plans and creating awareness for TikTok usage harms that will improve the well-being of students at the early stages of education. Limitations: Although our study offers new insights, it still needs more investigation due to its limitations, which include its reliance on self-reported surveys.