Survey: Many students fear TikTok ban will affect their grades

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If you’re not familiar with TikTok or haven’t yet experienced its random short-form content, you might be missing out on the pulse of modern digital culture.

With its blend of short-form videos, personalized recommendations, diverse content, viral trends, interactive features and global reach, TikTok has emerged as a magnetic force within the social media landscape over the years.

It’s hardly surprising that TikTok has over a billion monthly active users and has been downloaded more than 4.1 billion times since its inception.

According to a report from Statista, as of January 2024, the Philippines alone had 49 million TikTok users, indicating a significant increase from the previous year with the US seeing a 1239.29 percent user growth rate between 2018 and 2023.

However, despite its increasing popularity and influence, TikTok faces a looming ban proposed by the US House of Representatives.

As discussions surrounding a potential TikTok ban intensify in Congress, a recent survey conducted by Intelligent.com in March 2024 among 929 four-year college students aged 18 to 24 reveals that a portion of college students fear the consequences such a ban could have on their academic performance.

According to the survey findings, the majority of college students, 75 percent, utilize TikTok at least a few times per month. Nearly half of these students, 47 percent, engage with the app on a daily basis. Among those who use TikTok regularly, 18 percent spend six or more hours on the platform daily, while 47 percent dedicate three to five hours to it.

The survey also delved into the impact of TikTok on academic pursuits. Three-quarters of regular TikTok users seek assistance with school work on the app. Furthermore, 30 percent of regular TikTok users express apprehension that a ban on the app could negatively affect their grades.

According to the analysis presented in “The Effectiveness of Utilizing TikTok for Teaching and Learning,” prior research indicates that TikTok holds significant promise as a pedagogical instrument. It is thought to enhance both the cognitive and affective learning outcomes of students.

Intelligent.com’s Chief Education and Career Development Advisor, Huy Nguyen, highlights TikTok’s dual role as both an entertainment platform and a potential educational resource.

Nguyen explains that college students are drawn to TikTok due to its ability to provide relatable and concise educational content, breaking down complex information into easily digestible videos.

“This approach not only caters to Gen Z’s preference for quick and engaging content but also leverages the power of visual storytelling to make learning more effective,” Nguyen explains.

Moreover, the platform’s algorithm ensures real-time personalization, tailoring content to individual interests and experiences.

However, Nguyen cautions against the potential drawbacks of relying solely on TikTok for academic purposes, warning that content on the platform may lack proper vetting, leading to misinformation and skewed perspectives.

In addition to academic concerns, the survey revealed broader anxieties about mental well-being. Forty-five percent of regular users fear that their mental health would deteriorate if TikTok were to be banned.