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TikTok adds guided meditation to interrupt teens' feeds at 10 PM for better sleep. (Albi)

 

Earlier this year, TikTok began testing the meditation exercises with select teens. TechCrunch reports that in these studies, the group of young users kept the guided meditation function activated 98% of the time, indicating a positive reception to the new feature. The high retention rate suggests that teens are receptive to tools that promote better sleep hygiene and mental health.

Adults interested in the meditation feature can enable it by navigating to the app's Screen Time settings page and toggling on the sleep hours feature. This allows users to customize the time they want to see the meditation exercise each night, tailoring it to their personal schedules. By offering this flexibility, TikTok aims to extend the benefits of the meditation exercises to a broader user base.

In addition to the meditation feature, TikTok has announced a donation of $2.3 million in ad credits to 31 mental health organizations located in 19 countries around the world. This donation is part of TikTok's Mental Health Education Fund, which seeks to support organizations dedicated to mental well-being. The company recognizes the importance of mental health resources and is taking steps to provide support both within and outside its platform.

TikTok's efforts come amid public pressure and a slew of lawsuits concerning the platform's effects on young users. According to CNBC, the app is facing allegations of harming users' mental health, particularly that of children. One lawsuit from Attorney General Brian Schwalb of the District of Columbia alleges that TikTok poses risks, including depression, anxiety, sleep loss, and body dysmorphia. A bipartisan group of more than a dozen state attorneys general has also filed lawsuits against TikTok related to the app's effects on young users, including allegations of intentional addiction and psychological damage.