Effects of Tiktok Content Creation on the Lifestyle of Students in Tertiary Institutions: a Study of Rivers State University.
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To examine the impact of TikTok content creation on the creativity and self-expression of students in tertiary institutions.
- To investigate the effects of TikTok content creation on students’ time management skills and academic productivity.
- To assess the influence of TikTok content creation on the mental well-being of students, including factors such as self-esteem, stress levels, and emotional well-being.
- To explore the social interactions and communities formed through TikTok content creation among students in tertiary institutions.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Introduction
According to Alguacil et al., (2021), education is also evolving; social media is revolutionizing the educational context, and online or hybrid education is becoming more popular. In education, TikTok enhances classroom interactivity, accessibility, and collaboration, as well as a window for online learning. In fact, the popular video-sharing website has gone down a storm with Gen-Z, outpacing its trendsetting predecessors, notably Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook (Reindl, 2020). TikTok’s decision to invest further in education is one of the big developments. The video content is a powerful learning platform, as YouTube and many other platforms have shown, and it interacts with the app’s recent demographic while providing more opportunities for others to use it (Lunden, 2020). With the new educational app, it is better for teachers and students to use this kind of platform so that they really understand its various functions as it provides them with numerous benefits. Besides, #onlineclass was highly promoted by TikTok as a featured hashtag, making it the largest hashtag, followed by #onlineschool as the second largest hashtag (Literat, 2021). This shows that TikTok is a good application for students to learn new things in their life, especially as an online learning method. Not only can they use TikTok for other things, but it is also good for them to acquire knowledge. It is a good opportunity for teachers and students to use this new technology and discover the advantages of TikTok for them. Most short videos are moving applications that allow users to create, edit, share, and watch short videos (Jung & Zhou, 2019). Moreover, TikTok’s video features encourage certain innovative teachers to develop TikTok-based assignments in closed groups. Students can also work collaboratively or individually to produce video content using their conceptual model, promoting peer-to-peer education (Robillos, 2020). In a study conducted by Nur Ilianis Adnan et. al., (2021), it was found that of 105 students, 70 preferred using TikTok as a learning tool to transfer information from audio to a graphical representation. They indicated that the music and fun elements in TikTok made it more interesting to use compared to the traditional mind map method. One of them also emphasized that by using TikTok, he can challenge himself to use new methods and explore more. In terms of content, students admitted that they remember better when using TikTok because they must spend more time creating the video on TikTok and therefore have to watch the information for a longer time than the traditional mind map method, which takes less than 10 minutes to transfer the information. Even though there were a few students who expressed their opposite opinion on the use of TikTok saying that TikTok requires much more time and effort, overall, the results of this study indicated positive feedback, as most respondents preferred this new method over the traditional mind map due to its novelty and interesting features. Apart from its educational value, unfortunately, it is becoming a source of concern for parents. That is why a few countries have placed a temporary ban on Tik-Tok, including India, considering its fatalities. According to Wang (2020), TikTok was briefly blocked in Indonesia in 2018 and Pakistan in 2020 for providing ‘morally wrong’ or ‘offensive’ videos. From this, the use of TikTok can also lead to danger if people do not use it properly. Obviously, uncontrolled use can have an impact on an individual’s education. To counteract, youth groups that surf TikTok for educational and other excessive input are however present. With proven studies, it is evident that TikTok helps students learn “differently” and is an important forum for teaching academic material and promoting social/emotional well-being (Solomon, 2021). TikTok offers a novel educational approach that combines technology, kinaesthetic movement, and social collaboration or collective learning. In summary, the use of the TikTok application is highly influential because of its usefulness and benefits, such as facilitating and creating fun learning environments, watching entertaining videos, running a business, and learning quickly about current events in the world, as claimed by Anggi E Pratiwi et al. (2021).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain effects of TikTok content creation on the lifestyle of students in Tertiary Institutions : A study of Rivers State University.. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing effects of TikTok content creation on the lifestyle of students in Tertiary Institutions.
Summary
This study was on effects of TikTok content creation on the lifestyle of students in Tertiary Institutions. A study of Rivers State University. Three objectives were raised which included: To examine the impact of TikTok content creation on the creativity and self-expression of students in tertiary institutions, to investigate the effects of TikTok content creation on students’ time management skills and academic productivity, to assess the influence of TikTok content creation on the mental well-being of students, including factors such as self-esteem, stress levels, and emotional well-being and to explore the social interactions and communities formed through TikTok content creation among students in tertiary institutions. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Rivers State University. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The study explored the effects of TikTok content creation on the lifestyle of students in tertiary institutions, considering various aspects such as creativity, time management, social influence, mental well-being, and body image. The findings highlight both the positive and negative impacts of TikTok content creation on students’ lives.
TikTok content creation provides students with a platform to express their creativity and showcase their talents, fostering self-expression and boosting confidence. It also enables students to form social connections and build communities based on shared interests, contributing to their overall social well-being.
However, the study also reveals potential challenges associated with TikTok content creation. Excessive time spent on TikTok can disrupt time management, leading to reduced academic productivity and interference with other important tasks. The pressure to create viral content and gain popularity can negatively impact students’ mental well-being, contributing to self-comparison, envy, and low self-esteem. Additionally, exposure to idealized body images and beauty standards portrayed in TikTok content can influence students’ body image perceptions and potentially lead to body dissatisfaction.
To mitigate the negative effects and enhance the positive aspects of TikTok content creation, it is crucial for students to strike a balance between their engagement with TikTok and other responsibilities. Educators, parents, and students themselves should promote responsible social media usage, encouraging time management skills and fostering a healthy mindset. Creating awareness about the potential risks associated with unrealistic standards and promoting body positivity is also important.
This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing insights into the effects of TikTok content creation on the lifestyle of students in tertiary institutions. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to social media usage, ensuring students’ overall well-being and academic success. Further research is recommended to delve deeper into specific aspects and explore potential strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of TikTok content creation while maximizing its benefits for students in tertiary institutions.
Recommendation
Based on the findings of the study regarding the effects of TikTok content creation on the lifestyle of students in tertiary institutions, the following recommendations are suggested:
- Promote Digital Literacy: Educational institutions should integrate digital literacy programs that educate students about responsible social media usage. These programs should emphasize the importance of maintaining a balance between academic responsibilities, personal well-being, and engagement with TikTok content creation.
- Time Management Skills: Students should be encouraged to develop effective time management skills to balance their engagement with TikTok and other important tasks. Setting priorities, creating schedules, and using productivity tools can help students allocate time wisely and avoid excessive time spent on TikTok.
- Mindful Engagement: Students should be encouraged to engage with TikTok content mindfully. This involves being aware of the potential impact of curated and edited content on their perceptions and self-esteem. Promoting self-acceptance, critical thinking, and media literacy skills can help students navigate TikTok’s influence more consciously.
- Support Systems: Educational institutions should provide support systems such as counseling services, peer support groups, or workshops that address the potential mental health challenges associated with TikTok content creation. These resources can help students cope with self-comparison, envy, and low self-esteem, and promote a positive digital well-being.
- Parental Guidance: Parents play a crucial role in guiding their children’s social media usage. They should engage in open and informed conversations with their children about TikTok content creation, helping them understand the potential risks and supporting them in developing healthy habits. Parental monitoring and setting boundaries can also be beneficial.
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