PITTSBURGH, Pa. [PTTP] — Social Media’s effect on high school students is a growing topic of concern. TikTok is one platform particularly on the rise. The app is a video-sharing service that users can scroll endlessly on, watching videos under one minute in length. The platform also lets users watch or host monetized livestreams.
Students Murphy, Gina, and Ava were interviewed about what they think is the purpose of social media. Meanwhile, another reporter asked Livianna, Joe, Tyler, and Ah’mir, their points of view on TikTok such as what they think it’s for, how many hours they spend on it per day, their stances, and opinions. LCHS students share their insights on social media’s value and effect on their everyday lives.
Some students indicated that they don’t believe the app has any noticeably harmful effects, while others insisted that it can be distracting. Many students admitted using the app during their classes when other work is expected of them.
Social media is becoming increasingly accessible to younger audiences, and many academic institutions are becoming more vested in the effects on their student bodies of these attention-capturing platforms.