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TikTok Lite is the little sister of TikTok. The app has increased addictive potential because it works with a reward system
What’s behind TikTok Lite
The TikToK Lite app was developed by ByteDance and is based on the principle of TikTok. The modified version of the popular platform is not yet available in Germany. However, it has been available in Spain and France since the beginning of April and has led directly to proceedings by the EU Commission.
- Users aged 18 and over can register on TikTok Lite. Unlike TikTok itself, the app is therefore aimed at adults. Users aged 13 and over can create a profile on TikTok.
- TikTok Lite focuses on the consumption of videos. However, users also receive rewards for watching and sharing videos, as well as for inviting friends.
- Whoever watches the videos on the social media app for hours and actively interacts with them will receive so-called digital coins. These can be paid out in the form of Amazon vouchers, for example. However, these are supposed to be small amounts
The TikTok Lite rewards program and its dangers
The central character of TikTok Lite is the rewards program. Users are rewarded with digital points for their active behavior – regardless of whether they invite friends to the app, share the videos or leave a positive response. However, this principle is worrying and is causing headwinds.
- The usage behavior on TikTok is already fuelling concerns among parents and others. TikTok Lite further increases the potential addiction by directly rewarding prolonged use.
- TikTok Lite’s reward system significantly increases the risk of overuse. The opportunity to earn small amounts of money with the app attracts young users in particular and control over screen time is dwindling.
- It is also unclear whether and how the exact age of users is checked. The app states that users must be 18 years or older to use it. However, other platforms, such as Instagram or TikTok, are also known to have highly porous age restrictions.
- The EU Commission’s proceedings against the Chinese company are primarily concerned with the mental health of users. The aim is to examine whether EU rules are being complied with and how the psyche is specifically endangered.
