The Effects of Mindless Scrolling on TikTok on the Daily Functioning of Young Adults in South Africa
Location
Kumasi, Ghana & Virtual
Start Date
7-8-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
7-8-2026 11:30 AM
Description
The rise of short-form content platforms such as TikTok has introduced a pervasive behavioural challenge among young adults called mindless scrolling. Unlike intentional social media use, mindless scrolling involves prolonged, often automatic consumption of content with limited conscious decision-making about when to stop. This study explores how mindless scrolling on TikTok affects the daily functioning of young adults in South Africa. Through semi-structured interviews with 14 participants aged 18-25, the study examines the drivers of prolonged use and the consequences for productivity, sleep, time management, and social engagement. Thematic analysis revealed that TikTok’s platform architecture, including infinite scroll, algorithmic personalisation, and features like streaks, encourages habitual and passive engagement. Participants reported sleep hygiene, procrastination, poor time awareness, and avoidance of social or physical activities. These patterns were most prominent during unstructured periods such as evenings and weekends. Despite high awareness of these effects, users expressed difficulty reducing their screen time, pointing to a dissonance between awareness and behaviour. Overall, the study highlights how platform design and psychological drivers interact to create a cycle of digital overuse. These insights contribute to broader discussions on digital wellbeing and persuasive technology, suggesting that interventions must address not only user habits but also the structural affordances that shape them.
The Effects of Mindless Scrolling on TikTok on the Daily Functioning of Young Adults in South Africa
Kumasi, Ghana & Virtual
The rise of short-form content platforms such as TikTok has introduced a pervasive behavioural challenge among young adults called mindless scrolling. Unlike intentional social media use, mindless scrolling involves prolonged, often automatic consumption of content with limited conscious decision-making about when to stop. This study explores how mindless scrolling on TikTok affects the daily functioning of young adults in South Africa. Through semi-structured interviews with 14 participants aged 18-25, the study examines the drivers of prolonged use and the consequences for productivity, sleep, time management, and social engagement. Thematic analysis revealed that TikTok’s platform architecture, including infinite scroll, algorithmic personalisation, and features like streaks, encourages habitual and passive engagement. Participants reported sleep hygiene, procrastination, poor time awareness, and avoidance of social or physical activities. These patterns were most prominent during unstructured periods such as evenings and weekends. Despite high awareness of these effects, users expressed difficulty reducing their screen time, pointing to a dissonance between awareness and behaviour. Overall, the study highlights how platform design and psychological drivers interact to create a cycle of digital overuse. These insights contribute to broader discussions on digital wellbeing and persuasive technology, suggesting that interventions must address not only user habits but also the structural affordances that shape them.
