What are the risks of TikTok?

The Algorithm: Addiction and "Rabbit Holes".

The main risk of TikTok is not the platform itself, but its recommendation algorithm ("For You"). It is by far the most powerful and addictive on the market.

It is designed to learn the user's tastes in minutes and deliver an endless stream of highly stimulating (dopamine) content.

The first risk is therefore compulsive use and addiction, which displaces hours of sleep, study and real socializing.

The second risk of the algorithm is rabbit holes.

If a minor shows a passing interest in a video about sadness or dieting, the algorithm can misinterpret it and start feeding them a steady stream of content about depression, self-harm or eating disorders (EDs).

This creates a dangerous feedback loop that can normalize and even aggravate these pathologies, convincing the child that "everyone feels this way."

Inappropriate Content and Dangerous Viral Challenges

Although TikTok has moderators, the sheer number of videos uploaded makes it impossible to filter everything.

Minors can easily be exposed to inappropriate content (sexualized, violent, substance use) that creators disguise to circumvent the filter.

Language and trends change so fast that parental controls often can't keep up.

A much more publicized risk is dangerous viral challenges.

Out of a desire for belonging, social validation and "likes," minors feel pressured to imitate challenges that may put their physical integrity or that of others at risk.

These can range from heavy "pranks" (such as cyberbaiting teachers) to challenges that involve ingesting harmful substances (such as cleaning products) or that cause serious physical harm (such as the controlled choking challenge or others that cause injury).

Privacy, Exposure and Grooming Risk

TikTok is a public exposure platform. Although privacy controls for minors have been enhanced, many users do not configure them properly.

A serious risk is oversharing: minors record in their rooms (revealing their privacy) or in their school uniform (revealing their location), providing valuable information to stalkers.

This public exposure makes the platform a high-risk environment for grooming.

Predators can easily identify vulnerable minors through hashtags or