UIndy School of Psychology Faculty, Alumni, and Students Collaborate to Study Emotional Health and TikTok

June 2, 2026 - 23:38

As the United States continues to face a growing youth mental health crisis, social media use has become a central part of the conversation. From endless doomscrolling to the emotional effects of online content, nearly every aspect of social media is being examined as mental health professionals work to better understand its impact and develop strategies for healthier engagement.

At the University of Indianapolis, a collaborative effort involving faculty, alumni, and students from the School of Psychology is taking a closer look at one of the most popular platforms among young people: TikTok. The research team is investigating how the app's short-form video format and algorithm-driven feed influence users' emotional health. Early findings suggest that the type of content consumed, rather than just the amount of time spent on the app, plays a significant role in shaping mood and anxiety levels.

The project combines academic expertise with real-world experience. Alumni who now work in clinical settings are helping to translate the lab findings into practical advice for therapists and educators. Meanwhile, current students are gaining hands-on experience in study design and data collection, contributing to a growing body of research that aims to separate myth from reality when it comes to social media and mental health.

The team hopes their work will lead to better-informed guidelines for parents and young users, as well as new tools for clinicians who are increasingly asked about the role of platforms like TikTok in their patients' daily lives.