TikTok / YouTube shorts

[Silvan]

Hi everyone!
I hope you're doing okay.

I was wondering whether you spend time watching TikTok videos or YouTube shorts. To be honest I've never used TikTok, but I do watch YT shorts, I think they're kinda similar?
However, I've noticed a few things about them that affect me negatively. First, it's very easy to lose track of time while scrolling through the videos. Second, it's making my brain overstimulated (or at least adding to that overstimulation). Third, the algorithm usually suggests me some videos I like (for example of puppies), but sometimes I see some things that are distressing.

At the same time I don't think watching TikTok/shorts is necessarily bad, it can be a good way to unwind (that's why I'm posting this in media/entertainment!). But I believe it's important to limit the time spent watching them, and choose channels to follow carefully.

So, I wanted to ask you a few questions:

1. Do you watch TikTok/shorts or not at all?

(following questions for people that answered 'yes' above)
2. How often? Are you aware of how much time you spend there, or you don't track it?
3. Would you like to limit that time, or you think it is not necessary in your case?
4. Do you know any channels/profiles you would recommend? What kind of content do they post? Is it meant to entertain, educate, or something else?

Hey, i think this is a great thread! Thanks for creating it, Sue. I hope we get some responses in here.

I've never really used TikTok; maybe once or twice, but it was because individuals didn't provide the reel on other platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, etc. Otherwise, I stay away from TikTok 100% of the time.

I had no idea there were short 'reels' on Youtube! I'll have to check those out at some point. I watch 'reels' on Facebook and Instagram; more on Instagram than Facebook. I don't like the reels and prefer still images, because it can be a trigger for overstimulation.

I know you didn't ask about Instagram; but the reels I enjoy watching are mostly educational and sometimes of cute animals — mainly cats and occasionally guinea pigs. Unfortunately, if you click the lightening bolt enclosed in a circle icon (no idea what that is called. Oops. ) you get suggestions that might be relevant to reels you've watched maybe 10% to 15% of the time. Of that, 40% seems to be relevant to something upsetting of the reel subject you tend to watch.

For example, if you follow an account mainly for kitten rescue, of course every so often the kitten rescue will take in a sick cat that might need enucelation; but this will trigger the algorithm to show reels or images that features cats with severe eye problems.

There's really no way to go around that.

Getting back to your questions, it's hard to try not to get caught up scrolling through all those reels (or images)! I try to spend no more than three or four minutes. Also, I am mindful of how much battery power they consume for my phone; so I try to limit my reel watching to once or twice a day.

There are various reasons to avoid prolonged exposure to reels.

- Triggering and sensitive media are bound to pop up at some point. It's best not to scroll enough that they pop up.
- Consumption of computer, tablet, and phone battery; deteriorating its lifespan; and technology can get overheated.
- Not being able to focus on greater priorities such as doing homework, household chores, and time with your family.

[Ennui.]

I watch TikTok daily. It does help me unwind but I also know I use it too often because I do lose track of time and lose sleep over it. My feed is a lot of cat and mental health videos.

[Dawn.]

I don't have TikTok and I don't really watch YouTube shorts but I watch reels on Facebook and Instagram.