TikTok Use Linked to Rising Social Anxiety Among Indonesia’s Gen Z, University Study Finds
Heavy use of TikTok among young Indonesians is closely associated with higher levels of social anxiety, according to a 2026 study by communication researchers at Universitas Dr. Soetomo. The findings add new evidence to growing concerns that constant exposure to short-form video content and online social comparison may be shaping the mental health of Generation Z.
The research, conducted by Pinkan Putri Ferdiani, Zulaikha, and Didik Sugeng Widiarto, analyzed how often Gen Z users access TikTok, how long they spend on the app, and what they do there—from watching videos to actively posting content. Published in the Indonesian Journal of Contemporary Multidisciplinary Research (MODERN), the study shows that more intense TikTok use goes hand in hand with greater social anxiety, including fear of being judged, discomfort in social interactions, and anxiety in close relationships. The authors say the results matter as Indonesia continues to experience rapid growth in social media adoption among young adults.
Why TikTok and Gen Z matter
TikTok has become one of the most influential digital platforms of the past decade. With its algorithm-driven feed and viral trends, the app shapes not only entertainment habits but also how young people present themselves and evaluate others. For Generation Z—those born roughly between the late 1990s and early 2010s—TikTok is more than a pastime. It is a space for identity formation, peer recognition, and social validation.
Indonesia is among the world’s largest TikTok markets, with tens of millions of active users. Many young adults spend one to two hours per day scrolling through videos that highlight beauty standards, lifestyles, humor, and personal success. While the platform offers creative opportunities and social connection, psychologists and communication scholars have increasingly questioned its impact on emotional well-being.
“Social media gives young people a stage, but it also exposes them to constant comparison,” the researchers note. That tension provided the backdrop for the Universitas Dr. Soetomo team’s investigation.
How the study was conducted
The research relied on a quantitative survey of 71 Indonesian TikTok users aged 18 to 24. All participants were active users of the platform. The authors collected responses through an online questionnaire designed to capture everyday TikTok habits and indicators of social anxiety.
Rather than focusing on technical psychological diagnoses, the survey asked simple, experience-based questions. Respondents reported how frequently they opened TikTok, how many hours they spent on it each day, whether they mainly watched content or created it, and whether they used the app for entertainment, self-expression, or social validation such as likes and followers.
Social anxiety was measured through common experiences: nervousness when talking to others, fear of being the center of attention, anxiety about being judged, and discomfort in maintaining friendships. The data were then analyzed to see whether patterns of TikTok use aligned with higher or lower levels of these feelings.
Key findings in clear terms
The results point to a consistent pattern:
- TikTok use and social anxiety move together. The study found a positive, moderate correlation between TikTok use and social anxiety. In practical terms, respondents who used TikTok more intensely tended to report higher anxiety in social situations.
- Usage explains part of the anxiety. TikTok use accounted for about 15.4 percent of the variation in social anxiety levels among participants. This means the platform is not the sole cause, but it plays a measurable role.
- Frequency and duration matter. Spending more time on TikTok and checking it more often were both associated with increased discomfort in real-world interactions.
- Social comparison is a key mechanism. Activities tied to validation—such as monitoring likes, comments, and followers—were particularly linked to anxiety.
Statistical analysis confirmed that these relationships were not random. The association remained significant even after accounting for measurement reliability and consistency.
Understanding the psychology behind the numbers
The authors interpret their findings through well-established communication theories. One is the idea that people actively use media to meet emotional and social needs—seeking entertainment, connection, or recognition. When those needs are fulfilled, media use can be positive. When they are not, frustration and insecurity can follow.
Another explanation lies in social comparison. TikTok’s endless stream of curated videos often highlights idealized versions of life. Repeated exposure to such content can make users feel they fall short, especially during a life stage when identity and self-confidence are still forming.
“Dependence on digital feedback like likes and comments can turn everyday media use into a source of psychological pressure,” the researchers write, emphasizing that this process can quietly increase anxiety over time.
Real-world implications for education and policy
The findings have implications far beyond academic debate. For educators, they underline the importance of digital literacy programs that go beyond technical skills. Helping students understand algorithms, curated content, and the emotional effects of comparison may reduce harmful impacts.
For parents and families, the study offers evidence-based reasons to encourage balanced screen time and open conversations about social media pressures. Rather than banning apps, the researchers suggest fostering awareness and self-regulation.
Policymakers and mental health professionals may also draw lessons from the data. Since TikTok use explains only part of social anxiety, broader support systems remain essential. Still, the platform’s influence is significant enough to warrant attention in youth mental health strategies.
What the researchers emphasize
Pinkan Putri Ferdiani and her colleagues stress that TikTok is not inherently harmful. The platform can inspire creativity, community, and learning. Problems arise when use becomes excessive or when users measure self-worth through online metrics.
They also note that most of the factors influencing social anxiety lie outside TikTok itself, including personality traits, offline relationships, and emotional resilience. Future studies, they suggest, should explore these elements over longer periods to better understand cause and effect.
Author profiles
Source
- Journal article: The Relationship Between TikTok Use and Social Anxiety Among Gen Z
- Journal: Indonesian Journal of Contemporary Multidisciplinary Research (MODERN)
- Year: 2026
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/modern.v5i1.30
- URL Jurnal: Indonesian Journal of Contemporary Multidisciplinary Research
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