TikTok users can now report and delete harassing comments in bulk

Instagram reported successful results on its own prompt feature back in 2019, finding that people often reconsider sending hateful messages when urged to do so. With Twitter following suit last year, TikTok is the latest platform to adopt this method.

These two updates have arrived in quick succession, amid ongoing investigations into TikTok’s potentially harmful impact on mental health, supposed privacy concerns, and claims related to child safety.

TikTok has also come under fire from one of its top three creators, Charli D’Amelio, who stated she’d ‘lost her passion’ for the platform due to a constant flood of negativity on her comments and videos.

Despite TikTok’s huge growth in such a short time, it’s crucial we remember that the platform is still in its infancy as a social network. Rising to prominence way faster than those before it has put it at something of a disadvantage in having to play catch up to meet the regulatory standards expected of social media platforms in 2021.

Where the likes of Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter were able to roll out improvements and become more user conscious over a long period, TikTok’s rapid success means it cannot be afforded that luxury.

In an ideal world TikTok would receive some patience, but because of the young demographic the app has captured, it’s safe to say that probably isn’t on the agenda.

Links between negative mental health and social media are being drawn more regularly than ever, particularly when talking unrealistic body standards or FOMO, and TikTok’s trendy aesthetic means it has to adapt quick to ensure its users are protected.

On the upside, it appears TikTok is open to the challenge and is planning a slew of further updates to empower its creators. We’ll certainly keep you updated.

Now, back to those dance rehearsals.