TikTok ‘affirmation’ journal among new well-being tools

Ready to start the day with intention or ready for the evening? TikTok wants to be your go-to platform, no matter what time of day it is.

The video platform recently announced new wellness features, including an “affirmation” journal for intention-setting, mindful breathing exercises, and a “soothing” sound generator that plays rain, waves, and white noise. The journal contains 120 downloadable or shareable affirmation cards. One card reads, “I break free from the expectations of others and embrace my true self.”

TikTok says these tools are meant to improve safety and well-being on the platform, especially for teens.

Last year, more than a dozen states sued TikTok over allegedly addictive algorithms. Internal documents made public last October revealed that TikTok fostered an environment that arguably prioritized its public image over effective policies to address teen mental health.

Earlier this year, TikTok launched a meditation feature for teens that turns on by default at 10 pm. In a blog post about the latest features, TikTok said that millions of people have used the tool to meditate since it became available to all users.

In addition to the features, TikTok is introducing task-based activities called “Wellness Missions” related to optimizing sleep and screen time. Users participating in an eight-week “Sleep Hours Mission” can earn badges by staying away from the app at night or meditating during that time period. Completing tasks helps them grow in the in-app “well-being tree”. A separate weekly Screen Time mission prompts people to check their usage statistics.

The new features are available in the Time & Wellness space of the app, which can be accessed from the Account Settings page. The Hub replaces TikTok’s previous screen time management page.

TikTok said early testing results show the latest features make its Time and Wellness space more attractive to users, returning more often than the old menu.

Additional reporting by Chase DiBenedetto