NOMOPHOBIA AND THE IMPACT OF TIKTOK USE ON ADOLESCENTS’ BEHAVIOR

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the impacts of nomophobia on adolescent behavior from the use of TikTok. This is a qualitative study with a non-probabilistic sample. Data collection took place from March to April 2023, through a questionnaire with sociodemographic questions and aspects about the use of TikTok, the Brazilian Version of the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q-BR), and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Thirty-seven adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age participated in the study. It was found that 56.8% of adolescents have moderate nomophobia and 16.2% have severe nomophobia, in addition, females are the most homophobic. Adolescents who have been using TikTok for more than a year have a moderate or severe degree of nomophobia. It is concluded that more research into the harmful consequences of Nomophobia and the use of TikTok among young people needs to be done to help those who are already affected by this problem to have a more balanced and healthy life.