Applying the uses and gratifications theory to identify motivational factors behind young adult's participation in viral social media challenges on TikTok
Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: Social media usage can impact its users’ mental and physical health. In particular, social media challenges, activities performed by an individual or a group that are uploaded to a social networking site to achieve a specific goal, have the potential to encourage and spread positive and negative behavior. We conducted interviews with thirty-two college students (ages 18-23) and using qualitative analysis grounded in the Uses and Gratifications Theory determined the motivations underlying participation in these challenges on the rapidly growing and unique social media platform TikTok. Six categories consistent with the Uses and Gratifications Theory emerged from this analysis, indicating that individuals use TikTok for 1) entertainment, 2) convenience and utility for widespread communication, 3) increasing social interaction, 4) finding social support, 5) seeking and sharing information, and 6) escaping from everyday life. We discuss how these motivations can be used to minimize the spread of viral self-harm challenges through TikTok.
Source: Human Factors in Healthcare
Authors: Grace Falgoust, Emma Winterlind, Prachi Moon, Alden Parker, Heidi Zinzow, Kapil Chalil Madathil
Institutions: Clemson University, Medical University of South Carolina
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,750
OpenAlex ID: W4282979415