Internal TikTok documents indicate the platform was cognizant of its adverse effects on young users’ mental health but implemented limited preventive measures to maintain user engagement, as reported by a U.S. public radio station on October 11.
The documents, cited in a subpoena issued by the Kentucky attorney general, are part of a lawsuit filed by 13 states and Washington D.C. against TikTok. The lawsuit alleges that TikTok’s recommendation algorithm plays a significant role in addictive behavior.
Internal TikTok Documents Indicate That The Company Prioritizes Traffic Over User Well-Being
One unnamed executive highlighted concerns about the platform’s effects on “sleep, eating, moving around the room, and making eye contact,” according to the internal communications, which were later ordered to be removed from public records by a state judge.
Research revealed that after watching 260 videos, users became more likely to develop an addiction to TikTok, correlating “compulsive usage” with negative impacts on mental health, such as increased anxiety, loss of analytical skills, and diminished memory and empathy.
Despite the research findings, TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, reportedly did not enhance tools designed to limit screen time for younger users. While the app does include features like parental controls and a one-hour timeout for minors, internal discussions indicated a reluctance to prioritize reducing time spent on the platform. A project manager was quoted saying, “Our goal is not to reduce the time spent.”
In response to the revelations, TikTok criticized the publication of sealed court documents, calling it “highly irresponsible.” The company also dismissed the claims, stating, “This complaint cherry-picks misleading quotes and takes outdated documents out of context to misrepresent our commitment to community safety.”
This lawsuit comes as TikTok faces potential bans in the U.S. over national security concerns, with allegations that the app allows China’s government to access user data and spread propaganda—claims that TikTok and China strongly deny.