EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF TIKTOK AMONG SELECTED GRADE 10 AND 11 STUDENTS AT GENERAL DE JESUS COLLEGE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, technology has become a vital part of daily life. TikTok, a video-sharing social media platform, has experienced a significant increase in usage since its launch in 2016. This study aimed to determine how TikTok influences and affects selected Grade 10 and Grade 11 students of General de Jesus College across various aspects of life, as well as the participants’ desire to continue using the application. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed in this study. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with selected Grade 10 and Grade 11 students of General de Jesus College. The results revealed that entertainment is the primary reason students use TikTok, including the application’s features such as strong algorithms and short-form videos, followed by exposure to new trends. Furthermore, TikTok was found to influence cognitive behavior, including decision-making and academic performance. The application produced both positive and negative effects on the participants’ emotional responses. Additionally, the study showed that TikTok has the potential to be useful in peer interactions, both online and offline, through the use of jargon, slang, and humor that make conversations more engaging and relevant. The findings revealed that TikTok both positively and negatively influences Grade 10 and Grade 11 students across different aspects of their lives, particularly in terms of cognitive, emotional, and social behavior.