In a move to promote healthier digital habits, TikTok has launched a new in-app guided meditation feature aimed at helping users, especially teenagers, wind down and improve sleep quality. This initiative is part of TikTok’s broader strategy to address concerns about excessive screen time and its impact on mental health.
Feature Overview
- Automatic Activation for Teens: For users under 18, the meditation feature is enabled by default. If a teen is active on TikTok after 10 PM, their “For You” feed will be interrupted with a full-screen guided meditation session. This session includes calming visuals, soft music, and breathing exercises designed to encourage relaxation and sleep.
- Optional for Adults: Adult users can access the feature by enabling the “Sleep Hours” option in the app’s Screen Time settings. This allows them to set personalized wind-down times and receive similar meditation prompts.
- Persistent Reminders: If users choose to ignore the initial meditation prompt and continue scrolling, TikTok will display a second, more prominent full-screen reminder to encourage them to take a break and rest.
Motivation Behind the Feature
The introduction of this feature is rooted in research highlighting the negative effects of late-night screen time on sleep quality. Studies have shown that excessive use of digital devices before bedtime can lead to sleep disturbances and increased risk of insomnia, particularly among adolescents.
By integrating guided meditation into the user experience, TikTok aims to provide a gentle nudge towards healthier bedtime routines, reducing the likelihood of “doomscrolling” and its associated mental health impacts.
Positive Reception and Impact
Initial testing of the meditation feature yielded promising results. According to TikTok, 98% of teens who tried the feature chose to keep it enabled, indicating a strong acceptance among the target demographic. TechCrunch
Mental health experts have praised the initiative as a proactive step towards promoting digital well-being. By incorporating mindfulness practices directly into the app, TikTok is leveraging its platform to foster positive behavioral changes among its users.
Broader Mental Health Initiatives
In addition to the guided meditation feature, TikTok has announced a $2.3 million donation in ad credits to 31 mental health organizations across 22 countries. This funding is part of the company’s Mental Health Education Fund, aimed at supporting the creation of informative and engaging mental health content on the platform.
Collaborations with mental health professionals, such as child psychiatrist Dr. Willough Jenkins, further underscore TikTok’s commitment to addressing mental health concerns and promoting well-being among its user base.
How to Enable the Feature
For adult users interested in activating the guided meditation feature:
- Open the TikTok app and navigate to Settings and Privacy.
- Select Screen Time.
- Toggle on the Sleep Hours option.
- Set your preferred bedtime to receive nightly meditation prompts.
