TikTok says badges are the solution to teenage app addiction – 9to5Mac

With a growing number of legislators wanting to set limits on the use of social media apps by teenagers and children, TikTok is hitting back.

The company argues – with an apparently straight face – that new features like an affirmation journal, background sound generator, and app badges are likely to be more effective …

A growing number of legislators across US states and around the world are proposing or enacting laws to restrict or limit access to social media apps by teenagers and younger children.

TikTok is one of a number of tech giants that have been attempting to fight these laws in the courts. The company has now announced a number of new measures which it somehow claims will be more effective than setting usage limits.

[We have replaced] the previous screen time management page and offers new features, including:

• Breathing exercises, featuring different types of mindful breathing.

• An affirmational journal, allowing people to set their intention for the day, with more than 120 different affirmation cards to download or even share with others.

• A soothing sound generator, featuring the sounds of rain, waves, and white noise. Survey data shows that people who use TikTok are 14% more likely than non-users to listen to music to help them sleep or relax*.

The app also now allows teenagers to earn badges for completing what the company describes as “wellbeing missions.” These include setting a screen-time limit and sticking to it, staying off TikTok at night, and meditating.

The company says that it will prompt people to visit the time and wellbeing section of the app settings if they use the app during designated “sleep hours.”

9to5Mac’s Take

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Image: TikTok