TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create and share short videos. The app has become incredibly popular in recent years, with over 2 billion active users worldwide. But why is TikTok so addictive?

The Science of Addiction

Addiction is a complex phenomenon, but there are a few key factors that make TikTok so addictive. First, the app uses a variable-reward system. This means that users are never sure what they’re going to get when they open the app. This keeps them engaged and coming back for more.

Second, TikTok uses positive reinforcement. This means that users are rewarded for engaging with the app. For example, when users like or comment on a video, they get a notification. This notification gives them a sense of satisfaction and makes them more likely to keep using the app.

Third, TikTok uses gamification. This means that the app is designed to be like a game. Users can earn points and badges for engaging with the app, and they can even compete with their friends for the top spot on the leaderboard. This makes the app more fun and engaging, and it keeps users coming back for more.

Fourth, it heavily caters to the short attention span of the youth. One of the main reasons that TikTok got huge is that the videos are all short-form unlike the competitors such as YouTube. It’s an endless scroll of short-form videos which makes it entertaining and convenient.