Is TikTok safe? Understanding TikTok security risks

Is TikTok safe to use?

TikTok is just as safe as any other social media platform. Your safety on TikTok depends on your usage habits, privacy settings, and knowledge of the platform’s policies. By managing your privacy, content, and interactions carefully, you can use TikTok safely and securely.

However, despite TikTok’s popularity, this social media platform continues to be scrutinized. A 2023 survey showed that 59% of American adults consider TikTok a threat to US national security. This concern primarily arises from the app’s extensive data collection practices.

TikTok privacy concerns

When dealing with sensitive information, you have to consider privacy concerns. In theory, TikTok — like all social media sites — should have robust data protection measures in place to protect sensitive information. But does it? Now that’s a question worth exploring.

TikTok faces several privacy concerns:

1. 1.Data collection. TikTok collects data like where you are, what device you’re using, and what you’re searching for. Some TikTok users worry about how much the app knows about them.
2. 2.Data sharing. TikTok users have expressed concerns over who TikTok shares data with, especially if the data goes to other countries with different privacy rules, like China.
3. 3.Data security. Some users doubt whether TikTok can keep their information safe from hackers and other cyber threats.
4. 4.Surveillance and censorship. There have been claims that TikTok is watching users and controlling what appears on the app.
5. 5.Children’s privacy. TikTok has many young users, and many parents are concerned about how well the app protects minors’ private information.

Does TikTok steal your information? TikTok certainly collects a lot of user data, but saying that it steals information is going too far. In reality, users agree to this data collection when they sign up. So, TikTok isn’t really "stealing" because you are giving this information away willingly — even if you might not realize how much you’re sharing.

The dangers of using TikTok

TikTok is fun, but it has its share of risks:

• Your privacy is at stake. TikTok knows where you are through location tracking, understands your preferences from what you watch and like, and can even identify how you look like using facial recognition technology. If mishandled, this information could expose your personal details.
• Hacking and scams. Hackers may try to breach your account to steal sensitive information, such as your personal details or login credentials. Beyond hacking, TikTok is also a playground for scammers. They often use fake giveaways, phishing links, or manipulative messages to trick you into giving away personal information or money.
• Unsuitable or risky content. You could stumble upon videos that aren’t right for kids or those easily swayed. With everything from risky stunts to inappropriate jokes just a scroll away, it’s easy to bump into content that might not be the best influence.
• Addiction and mental health strain. Chasing likes and followers can be addictive and stressful. The endless flow of catchy videos makes it hard to stop scrolling. Plus, facing bullies or negative comments on the app can really hurt your mental health.
• Fake news. Beware of one of the most common social media privacy issues — fake information. The app often pushes exciting or shocking videos that might not be true. Be sharp and double-check the facts to avoid being fooled.

Is TikTok considered bad for kids?

The answer is more likely to be a "yes" than a "no." Privacy risks, exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, the influence of trends, and excessive screen time are unlikely to affect a child in a positive way.

TikTok only allows users aged 13 and up to have an account. In the US, however, kids under the age of 13 can also have accounts with special protections. These include restrictions on posting videos and sending direct messages. Still, studies suggest that these measures don’t fully prevent access to inappropriate content or protect their privacy:

• Amnesty International’s research demonstrates that TikTok’s “For you” feed can quickly draw children and young people with an interest in mental health into “rabbit holes” of potentially harmful content. This includes videos that romanticize and promote depressive thinking, self-harm, and suicide.
• A report by Common Sense Media found that nearly half of the girls surveyed who use TikTok feel “addicted” to the platform. The design of the app, which encourages constant scrolling and engagement, can lead to excessive screen time, disrupting sleep, study, and physical activity.

So, is TikTok safe for kids under 18? No, but certain safety measures can make the platform safer.

What are the dangers of TikTok for adults?

Although children are more vulnerable, adults face many of the same issues on TikTok. Misinformation, privacy abuses, bullying, and harassment are real problems. Adults can also fall into addictive scrolling habits that lead to stress, anxiety, and self-esteem issues. This distraction can cut into productivity and expose them to scammers.

In addition to mental health concerns, adults should be aware of some additional risks to using TikTok — and also teach their children why TikTok is considered bad:

• Professional reputation. Be careful what you post. Inappropriate content can harm your professional career or get you in trouble at work. Using a private account may help you avoid this.
• Digital footprint. Remember, what you share spreads fast and stays online. Think twice before posting because it could affect your privacy and security long-term
• Physical safety. Some TikTok trends are downright dangerous. Avoid risky TikTok challenges that could cause injuries.
• Economic impact. TikTok can tempt you into overspending. Influencer promotions might not always have your best interests at heart.
• Identity theft. Like other social media platforms, TikTok is vulnerable to social engineering attacks aimed at identity theft. Users could be tricked into sharing personal information, clicking misleading ads, or downloading apps that steal data.

How should you respond to the theft of your identity ? If you suspect identity theft on TikTok, immediately change your passwords and monitor your account for unusual activity. Report the issue to TikTok’s support and watch your other accounts closely.

TikTok’s impact on mental health

The TikTok algorithm tailors your feed based on the videos you watch. For instance, if you enjoy fun dance challenges or motivational talks, you’ll see more of these videos. However, if you start watching content that’s demotivating or sad, the algorithm will adjust to show more of that as well.

Essentially, whether TikTok’s impact on your mental health is positive or negative depends mostly on the content you engage with. Although negative effects are covered more thoroughly, TikTok can have positive effects on mental health:

• A report by Common Sense Media reveals that seven out of ten adolescent girls of color who use TikTok encounter uplifting and identity-affirming content about race.
• The same report reveals that about two out of three girls on TikTok feel positive or accepting of their bodies, thanks to the content they find on the app.

What are the dangers of TikTok for adults?

The addictive qualities and content rabbit holes on TikTok can harm the mental health of not only children, but also adults — who might not realize that they are just as vulnerable. Beyond these dangers, TikTok poses several other risks to mental well-being:

• Excessive screen time. Endless scrolling on TikTok can lead to excessive screen time, which can disrupt sleep, reduce physical activity, and heighten anxiety and depression. ¹
• Idealized content. Constant exposure to videos depicting perfect lives and bodies can make you feel inadequate and undermine your self-esteem. ²
• Cyberbullying. TikTok can also breed cyberbullying. Negative comments and trolling can cause significant emotional distress.
• Glorification of risky behaviors. Videos that portray dangerous behaviors as appealing may encourage others to attempt these actions — especially when it comes to vulnerable users.
• Information overload. The rapid-fire pace of TikTok can overload your brain, leading to stress and making it difficult to concentrate.

Combating negative TikTok effects: Tips for healthier and safer use

Despite all the negative effects, you might not be willing to give up TikTok altogether. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks that can help combat the negative effects of TikTok:

🌈 Engage with more positive content. The more fun videos you watch, the more you’ll see them on your “For you” page. Avoid content that upsets you — for instance, if you’re sensitive to conflict, skip videos that show arguments or fights. By skipping these, you signal to TikTok’s algorithms that you’re not interested in such content.

📢 Report harmful content. Reporting keeps TikTok safe and positive for everyone. By reporting inappropriate content, you help boost the quality of videos, making the platform more enjoyable for yourself and others. To report a video, tap the "Share" icon on the video, then hit "Report" and follow the prompts.

💬 Stay out of the comments section. Comment sections can be hotspots for negativity, filled with harsh criticism, personal attacks, and offensive language. They also often swarm with unverified info, rumors, and complete falsehoods. Staying away from these discussions helps you dodge inaccurate content and keep your online experience more positive.

🧠 Be mindful of what you post. Avoid sharing videos that reveal your exact location or any sensitive details you want to keep private. Always double-check your video background to ensure it doesn’t include information that could be used against you. Check out these seven social media tips to make your profiles as private as possible.

🔒 Set your account to private. Setting your TikTok account to private means that only people you approve can see your videos. A private account will keep out anyone you don’t know or trust. It also prevents your personal details, like where you live or work, from being exposed to a large audience.

⚙️ Adjust your privacy settings. In your privacy settings, you can choose who comments on your TikTok posts, who can make duets with you, and who can message you directly. Be sure to check all your options to make your TikTok experience safer and more enjoyable.

⏳ Limit your time on TikTok. Use the digital wellbeing features in the app settings. Choose how long you want to spend on TikTok each day and set up a timer or take breaks at set intervals. This tool helps you manage your usage effectively, preventing you from spending too much time scrolling.

🧸 Use a family pairing feature. Online safety for kids is important, and setting up parental controls on TikTok is a smart way for parents to manage screen time and filter content they don’t want their offspring to see. These parental control features let you filter out mature content, set time limits, and even control who can send direct messages to your child.

If you haven’t already, should you download TikTok?

Whether you should download TikTok depends on what you like and what worries you. Here are some quick pros and cons to help you decide:

Pros

• Endless fun and variety.

• Encourages artistic expression.

• Connects like-minded individuals.

• Offers educational and practical tips.

• Keeps you updated on pop culture.

Cons

• Extensive data collection.

• Very addictive.

• May spread false information.

• May affect self-esteem and anxiety.

• Risk of inappropriate content.

Sources

¹ Nakshine V. S., Thute P., Khatib M., et. al. (2022) Increased Screen Time as a Cause of Declining Physical, Psychological Health, and Sleep Patterns: A Literary Review. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30051

² Jiotsa, B., Naccache, B., Duval, M., et. al. (2021). Social Media Use and Body Image Disorders: Association between Frequency of Comparing One’s Own Physical Appearance to That of People Being Followed on Social Media and Body Dissatisfaction and Drive for Thinness. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18062880