Famous for its ‘addictive’ algorithm, now TikTok encourages a break from watching for too long

On the blog, TikTok said it will introduce a new option in the next few weeks, allowing users to set a time limit to watch videos continuously before being reminded. Previously, TikTok would notify users if they watched more than 40, 60, 90 or 120 minutes on the app per day.

Jordan Furlong, a product manager at TikTok, says these reminders will help users feel balanced when watching TikTok.

Additionally, the new dashboard will provide data on how much time they spend on TikTok, including total daily time, total app openings, and split between day and night. Users can sign up for weekly notifications to review their TikTok usage.

For users between the ages of 13 and 17, TikTok will remind them about their mental health when they use more than 100 minutes a day. Still, it’s not clear why the company chose the 100-minute mark for minors.

TikTok released the update after several months of pressure from the public and lawmakers. Like other social networks, TikTok is called to help users get rid of the “addiction” in the digital era. Authorities around the world have also stepped up monitoring of the impact on young users’ mental health. In late 2021, US Senators questioned the leaders of TikTok, YouTube and Snap about measures to protect minors.

Other platforms have introduced similar initiatives. For example, in December 2021, Instagram launched the “Take a Break” tool.