Influence of TikTok on the Mood of Students at the Pichincha Technological University Institute Relationship Between TikTok Content Types and Mood Variations Among Young People
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Abstract
This research focuses on analyzing the impact of the social media platform TikTok on the mood of first-year students at the Pichincha Technological University Institute, aged between 19 and 25 years. The main objective is to identify the types of content preferred by young people and how these influence their emotions after prolonged use of the platform.
According to Mentinno Magazine (2025), 30% of the population using TikTok in Ecuador is between 18 and 24 years old—known as Generation Z—a population highly influenced by digital content, making it essential to examine how this affects their emotional well-being.
To conduct the research, a mixed methodology was applied, combining a qualitative content analysis of videos featured on TikTok’s “For You” feed with a focus group. The content analysis helped identify students’ thematic preferences, while the focus group assessed their emotional reactions before and after a 10-minute session using the platform.
The results reveal that exposure to certain types of TikTok content has a measurable impact on young people’s mood, showing significant emotional changes after viewing. This finding highlights the importance of understanding the role of social media in the emotional health of youth.
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