Internal TikTok documents have revealed evidence regarding the platform’s detrimental effects on young users’ mental health, igniting fears among parents, educators, and mental health professionals.

The documents emerged during a lawsuit brought by 13 states and Washington D.C., which alleges that TikTok is causing significant harm to minors.

Kentucky Public Radio details that these subpoenaed materials underscore TikTok’s recognition of the addictive nature of its app and the serious mental health risks it poses.

TikTok’s internal assessments reveal that its recommendation algorithm can lead to compulsive use, with studies showing that users who consume around 260 videos are at heightened risk of addiction.

Compulsive engagement with the app is linked to serious mental health issues, including reduced analytical skills, impaired memory, diminished empathy, and heightened anxiety.

In light of these findings, TikTok executives acknowledged the urgency to evaluate the app’s impact on users’ sleep, physical activity, and social interactions.

Although TikTok has implemented measures like parental controls and an hour-long daily timeout for younger users, documents indicate that parent company ByteDance has refrained from enhancing these features.

In response to the documents’ release, TikTok countered claims, calling the portrayal of its commitment to community safety misleading, arguing that the lawsuit selectively references outdated information and misrepresents the company’s initiatives.