As various American states and many countries consider severely regulating social media use among minors, TikTok is exploring a new approach to address the criticisms.

Instead of consenting to strict limitations, the platform is implementing a range of tools designed to help teenagers manage their screen time better. This strategy raises as many questions as it does interests.

In an increasingly strict regulatory environment, especially in Europe, the social media company claims to have rethought its screen time management features. Now, TikTok aims to offer more engaging tools that encourage young users to self-regulate their use, focusing on personal motivation.

A New Wellness Space Focused on “Mindfulness”

In its press release, TikTok announces a complete overhaul of its screen time management interface, now featuring modules inspired by meditation and personal development apps.

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Teenagers, like other users, can now engage in guided breathing exercises designed to encourage a more relaxed use of the app.

An affirmation journal, consisting of over 120 positive, downloadable, and sharable cards, also encourages users to set a daily intention.

The platform has also introduced a sound generator featuring rain, waves, and even white noise, leveraging internal data that indicates its users are more likely to listen to music to relax.

TikTok is also incorporating content created by video producers specialized in digital wellness, covering topics such as ways to limit screen time, configuring parental tools, or adjusting the recommendation feed.

Badges as a Tool to Reduce “Doomscrolling”

The most notable new feature is the introduction of badges. TikTok claims to have based this on academic research which suggests that too strict restrictions might actually have the opposite effect on teenagers. To avoid this pitfall, the platform has turned screen time management into a series of missions.

Users can now earn badges by adhering to their own daily limits, refraining from using the app during sleep hours, or by partaking in meditation sessions using the new tools.

An Alternative to Legal Restrictions?

The company, which is currently challenging several laws aimed at limiting minors’ access to social media, including in France, appears eager to show that educational support can be more effective than outright bans.

It remains to be seen whether these badges and new modules will actually encourage teenagers to reduce their “doomscrolling”…