Changes over time in TikTok behaviors and motivations and perceived consequences for public discourse and political polarization

Michael Langlais; Miya Shimada; Sofia Rhorer; Cassidy Bilsing

doi:10.29329/jsomer.65

Authors

Michael Langlais Baylor University, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8892-2808
Miya Shimada Baylor University, USA https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8288-7948
Sofia Rhorer Baylor University, USA https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3423-3334
Cassidy Bilsing Baylor University, USA https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9441-6389

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29329/jsomer.65

Keywords:

TikTok, Motivations, Social Media, Social Movements, Public Discourse

Abstract

Rates of TikTok use have increased from 2% in 2019 to 67% in 2022. Despite its popularity, little is known about how users’ behaviors and motivations change over time, or how TikTok contributes to activism, polarization, and social movements. This study address three research questions: (1) In what ways do emerging adults perceive their patterns of TikTok use to have changed since they first downloaded TikTok?; (2) How do emerging adults perceive their motivations for using TikTok to have shifted since they first downloaded TikTok?; and (3) How do perceived changes in use and motivations shape emerging adults’ participation in social movements and engagement in public discourse?. Data were collected via 15 semi-structured interviews and two focus groups (N = 8) with emerging adults recruited through convenience and snowball sampling. Using Braun and Clarke’s (2022) reflexive thematic analysis, findings revealed that users shifted from primarily consuming to creating content, while motivations for social connection remained stable. Participants also expressed concern about misinformation and perceived that the algorithm reinforces polarization around political issues, influencing engagement with activism and social discourse. These findings clarify how TikTok use evolves over time and highlight its potential impact on civic engagement and ideological exposure.

Author Biographies

Miya Shimada, Baylor University, USA

Ms. Miya Shimada is a University Scholars Major in the Honors College of Baylor University studying Psychology, Child & Family Studies, and Philosophy. She has worked as an undergraduate research assistant in Baylor University's departments of Psychology and Human Sciences in Design for over a year. She has assisted research on virtue formation and the effect of technology on adolescent development and adolescent dating relationships.

Sofia Rhorer, Baylor University, USA

Ms. Sofia Rhorer is a Research Assistant in the Department of Human Sciences and Design at Baylor University. She is pursuing a B.A. as a University Scholar from Baylor University and is concentrating in Psychology, Child and Family Studies, History, and English. Her research interests focus on the effects of school environments on child development, particularly how high and low-stress situations affect a child’s ability to cope with future stress.

Cassidy Bilsing, Baylor University, USA

Ms. Cassidy Dudley is currently a Dietetic Intern at the VA Hospital in Houston, TX and is pursuing a M.S. in Nutrition as well. She received her BS in Nutrition from Baylor University in Waco, TX. She is ultimately pursuing the credential of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and hopes to work in an ICU setting.

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