Part 7/11:
The addiction to TikTok goes beyond mere entertainment—it infiltrates daily routines and personal identity. Many users wake up and instinctively check the app first thing, making it a keystone habit. Without it, they face discomfort similar to withdrawal from substances, with some even comparing it to withdrawal from stimulants or other addictive behaviors.
One user’s emotional response illustrates this: cries of despair and fear about "not knowing what to do" without TikTok reflect a deep reliance. The app, in many ways, is a primary dissociative and emotional regulation tool, providing a continuous feed of relatable or shocking content that keeps viewers distracted and engaged.