The Dual Role of Student and Creator: Exploring the TikTok Experience

Abstract

TikTok is one of the most common content-creating social media platforms for youth in the USA. In recent years, its engaging content has significantly influenced people, shaping trends, behaviors, and communication styles among its predominantly young user base. This study evaluates TikTok's impact on college and university students as they invest a lot of time creating content and engaging on TikTok besides their studies. While existing research highlights TikTok's educational benefits and adverse societal and psychological effects, our mixed-method approach provides a focused analysis of student content creators. Survey data quantifies usage patterns and their correlation with academic and mental health indicators, while interviews offer qualitative insights into personal experiences. Findings reveal that TikTok affects students' time management, mental health, academic performance, and self-perception. Although TikTok facilitates creativity and social connections, it also induces stress and distraction. This study aims to fill research gaps and propose new directions, offering practical recommendations for balancing TikTok's benefits and drawbacks for student content creators.