Influence Of TikTok On Redefining Social Dynamics Among Undergraduate Students

Social media platforms have become integral parts of modern society, profoundly impacting various aspects of human interaction and communication. Among these platforms, TikTok has emerged as a prominent player, particularly among young adults and undergraduate students. This study investigates the influence of TikTok on the social dynamics among undergraduate students at Novena University, exploring patterns of usage, types of content consumed, duration of engagement, and perceived impact on social interactions and self-perception. Through a comprehensive survey administered to a sample of undergraduate students, data were collected to analyze TikTok usage behaviors and perceptions. The findings reveal that TikTok is widely utilized among undergraduate students at Novena University, with a significant proportion of students accessing the platform daily or several times a week. Comedy emerged as the most popular type of content consumed, followed by dance challenges and educational content. Students reported spending varying durations of time on TikTok, with a notable portion engaging for up to an hour daily. While TikTok moderately influenced social interactions among peers, some students experienced pressure to conform to beauty or lifestyle standards depicted on the platform. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of TikTok usage among undergraduate students, highlighting its role as a source of entertainment, information, and social interaction within the university community. Despite its popularity, TikTok’s influence is not uniform, with varying perceptions and experiences among users. While some students view TikTok positively, others may experience negative effects such as pressure to conform or concerns about its impact on self-esteem and social relationships. In conclusion, TikTok plays a significant role in shaping social dynamics among undergraduate students at Novena University. The platform serves as a catalyst for online communities, shared experiences, and cultural trends among students. However, its influence is accompanied by challenges such as social comparison, digital harassment, and potential distractions from academic pursuits. To address these challenges, educational institutions and stakeholders should promote digital literacy, provide supportive resources for students, foster community engagement, and conduct further research to understand the long-term effects of TikTok usage on student well-being and academic performance. By implementing these recommendations, universities can create a supportive environment that encourages responsible and positive engagement with social media platforms like TikTok, enhancing students’ digital well-being and social integration.