Eager to begin your day with intention or unwind in the evening? TikTok seeks to be your go-to platform, no matter the time.
The video-sharing platform has launched new wellness features, such as an “affirmation” journal for setting intentions, mindful breathing exercises, and a “calming” sound generator that offers rain, ocean waves, and white noise. The journal contains 120 affirmation cards that can either be downloaded or shared. One of the cards reads, “I am liberated from the expectations of others and accept my authentic self.”
TikTok asserts that these tools aim to improve safety and well-being on the platform, particularly for teenagers.
Last year, over a dozen states initiated legal actions against TikTok for its supposedly addictive algorithm. Internal documents revealed last October indicated that TikTok valued its public reputation more than effective mental health policies for teens.
Earlier this year, TikTok rolled out a meditation feature for teens, which is automatically activated at 10 p.m. In a blog post concerning the new features, TikTok stated that tens of millions of users have utilized the meditation tool since it was made accessible to everyone.
In addition to these features, TikTok is introducing task-oriented activities called “well-being missions” aimed at improving sleep and managing screen time. Users participating in an eight-week “sleep hours mission” can earn a badge by refraining from using the app at night or meditating during that time. Completing these tasks allows them to grow an in-app “well-being tree.” A distinct weekly screen time mission encourages users to analyze their usage statistics.
The new features can be located in the app’s time and well-being section, available from the account settings page. This hub replaces TikTok’s former screen time management area.
TikTok indicates that initial testing demonstrates these new features make the time and well-being section more attractive to users, who are returning more often than they did to the old menu.
Additional reporting by Chase DiBenedetto