TikTok is announcing a package of new changes to make it easier for people to access independent resources when they need them.
The short video app has been instrumental in bringing communities together especially during pandemic times where hundreds of people come to express their creativity and find community. With some sharing life experiences and finding comfort in knowing that they are not alone in what they are going through – whether it’s new parents talking about how to cope with the lack of sleep or mindfulness tips to manage anxiety.
As such, the community platform has been inspired by how its community openly, honestly and creatively shares important issues such as mental well-being or body image, and by how they lift each other up and lend help during difficult times. The platform will open new ways to nurture and take additional steps to make it easier for people to find resources when they need them on TikTok.
Additional well-being resources to support our community
TikTok will support people who choose to share their personal experiences to raise awareness, help others who might be struggling and find support among the larger community.
“To help our community do this safely, this month we have rolled out new well-being guides to support people who choose to share their personal experiences on our platform, developed with the guidance of independent experts, including the International Association for Suicide Prevention, Crisis Text Line, Live For Tomorrow among others. The guides, which are available on our Safety Centre for informational purposes only, also offer tips to help our community members responsibly engage with someone who may be struggling or in distress.”
Expanded guide on eating disorders
Earlier this year, TikTok rolled out new features to support users who may be living with or recovering from an eating disorder. When a user searches for terms related to eating disorders, we provide them with suggested tools and direct them to appropriate resources. We’ve also introduced permanent public service announcements (PSAs) on certain hashtags, such as #whatIeatinaday, to increase awareness and provide support for our community.
The short video platform is also expanding its resources with a new Safety Centre guide on eating disorders for teens, caregivers, and educators. Developed in consultation with independent experts including the National Eating Disorders Association, National Eating Disorder Information Centre, Butterfly Foundation, and Bodywhys, to provide information, support and advice on eating disorders.
Strengthening notices on search results
“As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our community safe, we will also be updating our existing warning label for sensitive content. In the coming weeks, when a user searches for terms that may bring up content that some may find distressing, for example ‘scary make-up’, the search results page will be covered with an opt-in viewing screen. Individuals will be able to click ‘Show results’ to continue to see the content. The opt-in viewing screens already appear on top of videos that some may find graphic or distressing, with this type of content ineligible for recommendation into anyone’s For You feed.
Additionally, “We’re proud that our platform has become a place where people can share their personal experiences with mental well-being, find community and support each other, and we take very seriously our responsibility to keep TikTok a safe space for these important conversations.”
TikTok recently hosted a week of in-app activities to offer suggested tools and resources for mental well-being, including content shared by a range of TikTok creators and independent experts to learn about and explore important well-being issues.