TikTok, the popular social media platform, has announced the rollout of a suite of new features designed to improve user wellbeing and promote healthier usage habits. The update includes tools such as an affirmations journal, background sound generator, and a badge system to encourage responsible platform engagement.
The redesigned screen time management page now features an affirmations notebook, containing over 120 positive reminders to help users set daily goals. A background sound generator offers calming audio options like rain or ocean waves, alongside guided breathing exercises.
TikTok also plans to showcase content from creators discussing strategies for limiting screen time, utilizing parental control tools, and personalizing their feeds. This initiative aims to provide users with diverse perspectives and practical tips for managing their platform usage.
To further incentivize responsible behavior, TikTok is introducing a new badge system. This system rewards users, particularly teenagers, who use the platform within safe and healthy boundaries. The company stated that their approach is informed by academic research on digital wellbeing, acknowledging that overly restrictive tools can sometimes have a negative impact on younger users.
Earning these badges requires completing various tasks. For example, users can earn a badge by getting the recommended amount of sleep, achieved by avoiding nighttime platform use. Using the new meditation tools will also unlock badges. TikTok will also reward users who set and adhere to daily time limits for both general device usage and specific platform engagement.
Other badge-earning opportunities include viewing weekly usage reports and inviting friends to participate in these wellbeing challenges. According to the company, initial testing of these features has shown increased user engagement with the new safety and wellbeing tools compared to previous versions.
TikTok plans to display links to these tools when users are active on the platform late at night or when they reach their self-imposed or recommended daily usage limits. This proactive approach aims to provide timely reminders and encourage users to prioritize their wellbeing.
This announcement follows the company’s July launch of new parental control tools, enabling parents to block specific accounts and receive notifications when teenagers post public videos or stories. These ongoing efforts reflect TikTok’s commitment to creating a safer and more positive online environment for its users.
