TikTok brings new tool to limit doomscrolling

TikTok, the social media platform, has launched a new digital well-being feature called Time and Well-being, designed to encourage users to manage their screen time and develop healthier online habits on November 19. 

According to a blog post by TikTok, the update introduces a series of mindfulness and self-reflection tools, including an affirmational journal, breathing exercises, and a soothing sound generator with rain, waves, and white noise. The new space also integrates guidance videos from creators on using TikTok features like screen time limits and family pairing.

Users can earn badges for completing tasks, including daily and weekly screen time targets, sleep-focused challenges, and ambassador missions encouraging others to engage with the well-being features. TikTok cited research showing that structured, positive reinforcement can help young users develop healthier habits online.

Time and Well-being replaces the previous screen time management page and will be accessible from the account settings menu, with prompts linked to daily screen limits and sleep hours, as per TikTok.

The company is also supporting independent research into digital well-being through a $100,000 contribution to the Tech Coalition SafeOnline Research Fund, aimed at better understanding young people's interactions with technology.