Investigating TikTok Ramifications on Pakistani Zoomers

Syeda Zeerak; Syed Zain  Hasan; Nisha  Rafiq; Ramsha  Umar; Hina Farooqui; Fasiha  Shah; Syeda Arfa  Fatima

Authors

Syeda Zeerak Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6719-6157
Syed Zain Hasan Assistant Manager, Central Depository Company (IT Minds), Karachi, Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1469-5283
Nisha Rafiq Ziauddin University, Karachi Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4352-7721
Ramsha Umar Karachi University, Karachi, Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8366-2442
Hina Farooqui Ziauddin University, Karachi Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8121-0629
Fasiha Shah Ziauddin University, Karachi Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9321-6013
Syeda Arfa Fatima Ziauddin University, Karachi Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5554-8716

Keywords:

TikTok, cyberbullying, harassment, threats, anxiety, inattention, depression

Abstract

Background of the Study: TikTok is presently one of the most popular and widely used social networking applications that Zoomers is addicted to, which is causing a lot of social and psychological issues among Zoomers. This study aimed to determine the relationship between TikTok usage and social and psychological ramifications among Pakistani Zoomers.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study method was used. A total of 384 Pakistanis born during the years (1997- 2006) were targeted via an online 18-item questionnaire. A convenient sampling technique was used, and the data was analyzed using innovative Partial Least Squares (PLS) software. Structural equation modelling and correlation were used to analyze the data.
Results: The study’s results indicated a strong positive relationship between TikTok usage and social and psychological ramifications among Pakistani Zoomers. The results’ significant P-values and beta values were positive and less than 0.05.
Conclusion: The study concluded that TikTok usage had resulted in cyberbullying, security threats and harassment issues, and also it had caused depression, insomnia, inattention and anxiety issues among the users. Henceforth, zoomers should be aware, guided, counselled and trained to overcome the adverse ramifications of TikTok. Policies to prevent cyberbullying and harassment should be planned, informed and implemented to promote peace and security.

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