Name: Luis Cevallos

Teacher: Miss. Alexandra Alexandre

Course: 3rd Bach “C”

Subject: Research

Topic: Extended Essay

Topic of the extended essay: social media

General Question: To what extent does the impact of social media affect today's youth

Research Question: To what extent does the impact and influence of social networks as

Tik Tok affect young people aged 14-22 today?

Thesis topic: The effects of Tik Tok in youth

Outline

1. Social media as Tik Tok Nowadays:

 Influence popular culture

 Challenges and controversies

 Mental health and well-being

 2. Content Consumption:

 Examining the types of content most popular among the target age group.

 Social comparison and FOMO

 Assessing the potential educational or informative content on TikTok.

3. Cultural and Social Impact:

 Exploring how TikTok influences cultural trends and societal norms

among young people.

 Analyzing the potential for social change through TikTok campaigns.

Social media as Tik Tok Nowadays

TikTok is a popular and influential social media platform known for its short-form video

content. TikTok continues to captivate primarily young users, offering a space for creating and

sharing diverse videos, from dances and comedy sketches to educational content, it has a global

reach, shaping cultural trends, music, and even social activism, TikTok's algorithmic feed

recommendation drives rapid content spread, while influencers play a key role in shaping

preferences and trends. Despite its popularity, TikTok faces privacy concerns, and brands

collaborate with influencers for marketing. Educational content thrives alongside entertainment,

making TikTok a dynamic platform that mirrors and influences modern culture.
 The mental health and well-being of young users of social media is a topic of significant

concern. While social media platforms offer avenues for connection and self-expression, they

also present potential risks to mental health. Constant exposure to curated content can lead to

social comparison and feelings of inadequacy, cyberbullying, the fear of missing out, and the

pressure to maintain a certain online image can contribute to anxiety and depression,

additionally, excessive screen time and digital addiction can disrupt sleep patterns and overall

well-being, platforms that emphasize appearance may exacerbate body image concerns.

However, by promoting critical thinking, encouraging offline activities, open communication,

and educating about online safety, caregivers and educators can help young users develop a

healthier relationship with social media, fostering positive mental health outcomes in the digital

age.

Content Consumption:

Content consumption in social media among youth is a significant aspect of their online

behavior. They engage with a diverse range of content formats, often visual in nature, on

platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, trends, and influencers heavily shape their

content choices. Algorithmic recommendations personalize their feeds but may lead to echo

chambers. Social comparison and FOMO are common, impacting self-perception, having in

mind the tendency of individuals to evaluate themselves by comparing their own attributes,

achievements, and experiences with those of others. Social media platforms provide an ideal

environment for social comparison due to the curated and often idealized nature of the content

shared. People see the best moments, achievements, and lifestyles of others, leading them to
assess their own lives based on these portrayals.

Educational and entertainment content coexist, with some seeking knowledge, balancing

the potential, mindful consumption, purposeful engagement, scheduled breaks, learning from

entertainment. In essence, the potential of educational and entertainment content on social media

can be underutilized or misused due to distractions, lack of critical evaluation, and

overindulgence, achieving a balanced and purposeful approach to content consumption can

maximize the benefits of both categories while minimizing their potential downsides. However,

excessive consumption of curated content can affect mental health. interaction through likes,

shares, and comments fosters community participation.

Cultural and Social Impact

The cultural and social impact of social media is profound, shaping the way we interact,

communicate, and perceive the world. Platforms like TikTok influence cultural trends, propelling

music, fashion, and entertainment phenomena to global prominence in record time, social media

fosters cross-cultural exchanges, connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds and

promoting understanding, it empowers users to raise their voices on social and political issues,

enabling grassroots movements and activism to gain momentum. However, it also brings

challenges, like the spread of misinformation and echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs.

Social media plays a pivotal role in shaping cultural narratives, reflecting societal values, and

amplifying both positive and negative aspects of human behavior, its influence is undeniable, as

it transforms how we express ourselves, share experiences, and contribute to the broader social

fabric.

This led to has unquestionably reshaped the course of history, leaving an indelible mark
on the youth, by providing a stage for creative expression, TikTok has democratized culture,

allowing young users to redefine trends, music, and entertainment, the speed at which challenges

and memes propagate across the platform has revolutionized cultural dissemination, making

youth the driving force behind viral phenomena that swiftly infiltrate mainstream consciousness,

this dynamic has not only altered the entertainment landscape but has also fueled

entrepreneurship, with young creators morphing into influential figures and even disrupting

traditional industries. However, TikTok's impact transcends the superficial has become a rallying

ground for young activists, catalyzing social and political movements worldwide, Empowering

youth to raise their voices on issues from climate change to systemic inequalities, TikTok has

transformed passive scrolling into a vehicle for societal change. Yet, this transformation has not

occurred without challenges. TikTok's influence on youth mental health, privacy concerns, and

its role in shaping perceptions of reality have ignited critical discussions about ethics, safety, and

the ever-evolving relationship between technology and the young generation. In the grand

tapestry of history, social media platforms like TikTok have woven themselves into the narrative,

guiding the youth towards unprecedented cultural, societal, and technological shifts.

References:

Baker, M. (2023, June 15). Youth and social media: Benefits and risks of life online.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/youth-and-social-media#:~:text=There%20are

%20both%20benefits%20and,and%20exposure%20to%20inappropriate%20content.

Dollarhide, M. (2023). Social Media: definition, effects, and list of top apps.

Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/social-media.asp