THE ROLE OF TIKTOK IN HOAX DISSEMINATION AND ITS IMPACT ON ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH

A Qualitative Study on Digital Behavior and Psychological Vulnerability

Abstrak

The rapid development of social media, especially the TikTok application, has significantly influenced how teenagers consume information. This study aims to examine TikTok's role in the spread of hoaxes and its impact on adolescent mental health. A non-participatory observation method was used to analyze TikTok content related to mental health and potentially misleading information. Findings show that many contents lack scientific basis and often promote self-diagnosis narratives without professional validation. Teenagers tend to accept information at face value without verification, potentially worsening their psychological condition. Continuous exposure to hoaxes and social comparison amplified by TikTok's algorithm increases the risk of stress, anxiety, and depression. Low digital literacy is a key factor that makes teenagers vulnerable to misinformation on this platform. This study highlights the importance of improving digital literacy and controlling information exposure to minimize negative mental health impacts on adolescents.