TikTok encourages users to take a break from scrolling

TikTok is taking the initiative to encourage users to limit the time they spend on the app with reminders

TikTok is planning to introduce new features that will help users to take a break from endless scrolling according to their blog post. The feature will set custom time limits on how much time users want to spend on the app, uninterrupted before being reminded to take a break.

Previously, the short-video platform allowed users to get notified when they spent 40, 60, 90 or 120 minutes per day. 

Project manager of Digital Well-being at TikTok, Jordan Furlong, said in the blog post, “These prompts will remind people to take a break after a certain amount of uninterrupted screen time, which they can set as they choose”. 

The prompt reminder will flash on the screen and say, “Break reminders help you feel more mindful and balanced on TikTok."

A screen dashboard will also allow users to keep track of their time spent on the app, including how many times they opened the app, with a breakdown of daytime and nighttime usage. The company plans to issue the reminder feature for users between the age of 13 and 17 when they have used the app for more than 100 minutes in a single day. 

The update to the upcoming feature has come months after lawmakers and advocates criticised social media platforms for their impact on young adults’ mental health.