The European Commission recently released a statement expressing concern about the addictive nature of the social media platform, TikTok. The issue gains importance due to the large number of young users who are the primary audience of the app. The commission expressed concerns over the harmful impacts of excessive usage on the mental health of young individuals and seeks to implement regulatory measures to control the situation.
In Japan, the use of social media platforms, particularly among adolescents, has been on the rise. While there is excitement about the creative opportunities TikTok provides, this has also led to discussions around their potential addictive nature and impact on the mental health of users. The Japanese government has begun to consider regulations for limiting screen time, which mirrors the attitude of the European Commission.
Similar concerns have been voiced in the United States and EU, where studies associated extensive social media use with negative mental health impacts. In the EU, tech companies are under increased scrutiny, and there have been talks about implementing stringent regulations. In contrast, the US is grappling with finding a balance between the right to free speech and the need for digital wellness.