TikTok is Changing our Brains… And That’s a Good Thing.

The recent hub-bub about TikTok is well meaning, sure, but it misunderstands the real benefits that the growing app provides.

Sure, some might say that the constant stream of quick-cut videos set to catchy music is numbing our brains and turning us into mindless zombies. But that’s not the whole story.

What TikTok is really doing is rewiring our brains to be better at processing information quickly, and to be more open to new and different ideas. In other words, TikTok is making us smarter.

Is there any science to back this up? Yes. A recent study found that people who use TikTok have higher rates of what’s called “cognitive flexibility.” In the study, participants were shown a series of images and asked to categorize them. The catch was that the categories were always changing, so the participants had to constantly adapt their thinking.

The people who used TikTok were better at this than those who didn’t use the app. This isn’t the only study that’s found similar results. Another found that people who use TikTok have higher rates of what’s called “divergent thinking.”

Divergent thinking is the ability to come up with multiple solutions to a problem. It’s a key component of creativity. So, not only is TikTok making us smarter, it’s also making us more creative.

Some might say that all of this is a bad thing. After all, if we’re constantly bombarded with videos and information, how can we ever focus on anything? But that’s not necessarily true. Sure, we might have shorter attention spans than we used to. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, being able to quickly process information and come up with creative solutions to problems is a valuable skill in today’s world.

So, if you’re worried about TikTok destroying your brain, don’t be. It’s actually making you smarter and more creative. If your children ask you to use TikTok, and you’ve heard horror stories from other parents about the apps content, or if you’re just worried about the amount of time your kids are spending on their phones, then by all means, set some limits. But don’t write off TikTok entirely.

It’s actually a valuable tool for developing your brain, especially for children. Children’s brains are more malleable, and they’re more likely to benefit from the app’s brain-boosting effects. Not only does the rapid, quick-cut nature of TikTok videos help children develop better problem-solving skills and be more creative, the majority of the content in the videos featured on the app is actually educational.

Studies show that children who use educational apps, like TikTok, score higher on tests than those who don’t. So, if you’re worried about your children’s screen time, don’t be. TikTok is actually a valuable tool for their development. In fact, you might even want to consider using the app yourself. After all, it’s never too late to start rewiring your brain.