The Social Consequences of TikTok Use Among Youth: A Field Study in the Kurdistan Region

Abstract

The social network TikTok has attracted significant attention across society, particularly among youth who are considered the driving force of change and transformation in communities. Young people utilize TikTok extensively for various purposes, resulting in both positive and negative social consequences. This research aims to: identify the reasons and purposes behind young people's use of TikTok, and determine the most prominent positive and negative social impacts of TikTok usage on young people's behavior and social relationships.

This study employed a quantitative methodology. The research population consisted of all young people who are citizens and residents of the Kurdistan Region, aged between (16-35) years. Regarding the sample type and size, a River Samples method was used with a sample size of 580 young people. The validity of the research instrument was 96.72%, while the reliability of the questionnaire was (0.710).The findings revealed that young people primarily use TikTok for self-education purposes rather than merely passing time. Additionally, most young users exhibit behaviors on TikTok that align with legal and social customs and traditions. Regarding social relationships, the research found that TikTok has enhanced and strengthened the social connections among young people.