Digital balance, one scroll at a time

TikTok's latest update aims to promote long-term healthy tech habits

ISLAMABAD:

In a world where digital devices are nearly an extension of ourselves, finding time to pause has become a challenge, as notifications ping incessantly, feeds refresh in seconds, and for many teens, bedtime is synonymous with scrolling.

TikTok, one of the world's most popular social media platforms, is attempting to help users reclaim some of that lost time with its newly launched 'Time and Well-being space', which is designed to help people relax, unwind, and develop healthier digital habits.

TikTok has long positioned itself as more than just a source of entertainment and its latest update marks a significant step in the platform's ongoing focus on community well-being.

Over the past year, the company has introduced tools aimed at supporting teens and families in navigating the pressures of online life. Features such as 'Family Pairing' allow guardians to set limits and guide teen usage, while 'Time Away' lets users pause access to the app when needed.

Earlier this year, the platform rolled out a meditation feature, encouraging teens to wind down at night. The new 'Time and Well-being space' builds on these initiatives, offering experiences that combine mindfulness, relaxation, and reflection with the digital habits TikTok encourages every day.

Across Pakistan, millions of people use TikTok to explore their interests, discover new communities, and connect with like-minded users. Popular hashtags such as #JournalTok and #NatureTok have cultivated spaces for personal growth, creativity, and escapism.

The 'Time and Well-being space' replaces the previous screen time management page and brings a suite of tools designed to help users engage with the platform more consciously.

Among its features are an affirmational journal, which allows users to set daily intentions using more than 120 downloadable or shareable affirmation cards, and a soothing sound generator, featuring rain, waves, and white noise. According to survey data, TikTok users are 14% more likely than non-users to listen to music to help them sleep or relax.

Central to the space are the 'Well-being missions', a series of gamified activities aimed at fostering long-term, balanced digital habits. Users earn digital badges for completing tasks such as the eight-week 'Sleep Hours Mission', staying within daily screen time limits, or reviewing weekly screen time reports. Friends can be invited to join, adding a social element to the challenge.

These missions were developed using insights from TikTok's 'Digital Wellness Lab', research findings, and feedback from the platform's Youth Council, which ensures that the tools address the real needs and concerns of younger users.

"The focus is on positive reinforcement rather than restrictions," a TikTok spokesperson said. "We want to encourage healthy habits, not punish users for engaging with the app."

Early testing shows that users are returning to the new space more often than to the previous screen time menu, with the affirmation journal emerging as a particularly popular feature.

The app also prompts access to the 'Time and Well-being space' when daily screen limits are reached or 'Sleep Hours' are active. 'Take a Break' video prompts further integrate these tools, making them visible and easy to access throughout the TikTok experience.

Safety and privacy remain central to the platform's strategy. Teen accounts automatically have more than 50 safety and privacy settings enabled, ensuring a secure environment for younger users.

Engagement with 'Family Pairing' continues to grow, with over one million parents and guardians using the feature last month. Meanwhile, the meditation feature has been adopted nightly by nearly a quarter of TikTok's global teen audience.

TikTok's expansion into mindfulness and well-being also reflects the growing awareness that digital habits have profound effects on mental health. Research suggests that two-thirds of teens find tools for managing digital time useful, and the company aims to make these practices intuitive and seamless.

By integrating reminders, rewards, and social participation, TikTok hopes to make mindful engagement a natural part of everyday use.

For teens and families in Pakistan and around the world, the 'Time and Well-being space' offers a way to navigate the digital landscape thoughtfully, balancing entertainment with self-care.

In an environment where scrolling can become instinctive, and screen time endless, the new features encourage reflection, mindfulness, and relaxation — all while maintaining the fun, creative essence of the TikTok experience.

TikTok's initiative is more than just a set of tools; it's a statement that digital platforms can support well-being as well as engagement. By giving users the space to pause, reflect, and connect in healthier ways, TikTok seeks to ensure that its community can enjoy the platform without losing sight of balance.