The Dark Side of Social Media: The Impact of TikTok on Teenagers

Introduction

Today, social networks are ubiquitous in our daily lives. It’s hard to do without this. Obviously, this was not without consequences. These platforms can quickly become harmful, especially for younger users.

The Tragic Story of Marie

In September 2021, Marie, a 15-year-old teenage girl who was a victim of harassment, committed suicide. Two years after the tragedy, parents of young girls are accusing TikTok of being largely responsible for their child’s actions. Thus, the complaint was filed on September 8, 2023. This is the first time in France that the social network A Chinese man has been named as the perpetrator of the suicide.

“Provocation to Suicide” from TikTok

A few weeks before the tragedy, Marie posted a video on TikTok, a social platform she loved very much, like most teenagers. The girl was talking about her discomfort and constant harassment that she could no longer tolerate. Since posting this video, TikTok’s algorithm has proven to be more accurate and powerful than ever. Since then, Marie has been inundated with publications similar to hers, which only served to amplify her misfortune.

TikTok’s Responsibility

For parents, TikTok bears some responsibility for Marie’s actions. The complaint mentions “incitement to suicide,” “failure to provide assistance to a person in danger,” and “propaganda or advertising of means of suicide.” It’s difficult to know whether justice will end up being right for Marie’s parents. Indeed, the Toulon prosecutor’s office clarified that the complaint deserves an in-depth analysis. But it cannot be denied that the TikTok algorithm definitely did not help the girl.

Government Intervention

The government is tackling the harmful effects of social media on teenagers’ mental health and cyberbullying. These platforms are currently prohibited for users under the age of 15 without parental consent. Unfortunately, a viable and effective age verification system has not yet been found, and many teenagers are left hanging around on social media.

A Precedent: Molly’s Story

If the complaint filed by Marie’s parents against TikTok – the first social network in France – already implemented caused the death of another teenager. In 2017, young Molly’s life was cut short in the UK. She had previously received recommendations from Pinterest, specifically asking her to read “ten posts you might like about depression.” Her parents then filed a complaint. Five years after the events, justice spoke in favor of the parents. For the first time, a social media algorithm was found to be to blame for a suicide.

In conclusion, the rise of social media platforms like TikTok has brought both positive and negative consequences. While it has connected people from all over the world, it has also amplified the dark side of cyberbullying and harassment. It is crucial for both social media companies and governments to take responsibility and implement measures to protect vulnerable users, especially teenagers, from the harmful effects of these platforms.