Seattle researcher explores how TikTok might influence youth mental health: HealthLink [Video]

SEATTLE — What is TikTok doing to our brains? It’s something researchers are exploring more deeply as conversations over how social media impacts mental health become more common among families and medical circles.

Specifically, a Seattle-based psychology researcher wants to know how TikTok influences youth mental health.

“Nothing is ever all good or all bad. So let’s figure out what is actually helpful about TikTok because clearly, the young adults and adolescents are on it because it serves a function for them. It’s doing something for them,” said Dr. Keyne Law.

Law is an assistant professor of clinical psychology at Seattle Pacific University. She knew she had an idea for a new research project when she talked with her 13-year-old nephew about TikTok.

“He put a screen time lock on himself, and I was just like, for a 13-year-old, that is amazing that you had the insight and the thought to do that. …