With TikTok’s potential nationwide ban looming, experts are warning about the physical and psychological toll it could take on its most devoted users. The app’s removal, driven by concerns over Chinese data security, may result in withdrawal symptoms comparable to those experienced with substance addiction, according to leading psychiatrists and psychologists.
Severe withdrawal symptoms predicted
Dr. Anna Lembke, an addiction psychiatrist at Stanford, outlined potential symptoms, including extreme anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia, mood swings, panic attacks, and dysphoria—a profound sense of unease. These symptoms are tied to the sudden drop in dopamine, a brain chemical associated with pleasure, which many users experience during hours of scrolling.
Dr. Victoria Dunckley, author of Reset Your Child’s Brain, emphasized that TikTok’s endless stream of short videos provides constant dopamine stimulation. Without it, users may feel lethargic, listless, and even physically fatigued as their brains adjust to the lack of constant stimulation.
Social media as a digital addiction
TikTok’s addictive qualities lie in its ability to shape users’ online personas, explained Dunckley. For some, the app has become integral to their identity, and its absence may lead to feelings of loss and a fractured sense of self. However, this period of withdrawal could offer a chance for users to recalibrate and form healthier dopamine pathways, typically within two weeks.
TikTokers express their distress
Ahead of the ban, users have flooded the platform with emotional responses. From tearful videos lamenting their dependence on the app to sarcastic posts about handing over their data to China, the reaction has been dramatic. One user even described feeling unsure of their identity without TikTok.
Alternatives to TikTok addiction
Clinical psychologist Dr. Alan Blotcky noted that users may not quit their social media habits altogether. Instead, they might shift their addiction to other platforms like Instagram, YouTube Shorts, or emerging apps offering similar features.
A chance for recovery
For those able to endure withdrawal symptoms, experts highlight the potential for recovery. “Once dopamine receptors re-sensitize, users can experience natural, healthy enjoyment in everyday life,” Dunckley shared. The transition, though difficult, might ultimately free users from the overstimulation that TikTok provided.
