Impact on mental health and national security: will TikTok be shut down in Ukraine?

29 January 15:42
Komersant ukrainskyi ANALYSIS

The research and analysis group InfoLight.UA has published the results of a study that examines the dangerous consequences of using the TikTok platform. The paper, titled “TikTok as a weapon that hacked large social platforms and attacks democratic institutions,” highlights not only the impact of the social network on the mental health of users, but also its use to undermine Ukraine’s national security. Moreover, since 2024, pro-government offices have been talking about the possible closure of the platform, and a petition has even been filed to block the social network TikTok in Ukraine. The document was supported by almost 16 thousand citizens out of the 25 thousand required for consideration. What challenges does the Chinese app face in 2025 and whether the issue of closing the platform may be raised again – Komersant ukrainskyi analyzed it together with experts.

How TikTok works on the physiological level

Long-term use of TikTok leads to structural changes in the brain. This is one of the main conclusions of the InfoLight.UA study. In particular, there is a decrease in the volume of gray matter and impaired cognitive functions.

The researchers draw attention to the serious danger of addiction through the so-called “dopamine loops”. This platform-specific mechanism activates the release of dopamine, which stimulates users to watch videos constantly. As a result, critical thinking decreases and vulnerability to manipulation and disinformation increases.

TikTok has a strong psychological impact, especially on young people. The mechanisms of influence through emotionally charged content include increased stress levels through adrenaline, temporary relief through serotonin, and other chemical reactions that increase addiction. This cycle not only distracts users from real social interactions, but can also lead to social isolation.

TikTok as a threat to national security: will the platform be shut down in Ukraine?

In addition to its psychological impact, InfoLight.UA’s research also shows that TikTok has become a powerful tool for spreading disinformation and undermining national security in Ukraine. Numerous networks of bots have been identified that spread anti-state narratives in a coordinated manner through TikTok, Telegram, and Facebook. This poses a serious threat to public trust and stability in the country.

In Ukraine, the social network TikTok is actively used as a tool for spreading disinformation, in particular in the context of mobilization and the activities of territorial recruitment centers (TCCs). Typical videos often claim “illegal methods of recruitment” or accuse of “hunting” for recruits. Such materials are accompanied by emotional appeals to avoid mobilization, which can create panic among the population.

In the face of the growing threat posed by Russian propaganda on TikTok, Ukraine does not rule out the possibility of blocking this platform if the social network does not start responding to the spread of fake materials. This was stated by Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, MP from the Voice party and chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Freedom of Speech.

In his opinion, Ukraine, as a sovereign state, has every right to take the necessary measures without looking to other countries, as it already has experience in blocking social networks.

“We have a practice of blocking social networks: an appeal from special services, a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council, a presidential decree, implementation, and litigation, if necessary,”

– Yurchyshyn said.

He also emphasized that the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council has already identified a whole network on TikTok that is spreading Russian propaganda. However, so far there has been no response from the platform. If TikTok does not respond, and this will only get worse, there may be an urgent need to block the platform, the MP added. According to him, the authorities do not feel the need to take such a step now, but it is important to first try to find a solution through dialogue, not through harsh measures.

Legal challenges and potential consequences for the platform

Winner Partners’ lawyer Konstantin Sklyar commented on the situation around TikTok, which faces numerous legal and political challenges in different countries. In his opinion, recent events in the US, where the platform was removed from app stores due to a ban, raise questions about its future in Ukraine.

One of the main issues raised by the expert is the monetization of TikTok. According to the lawyer, it is not currently operating in Ukraine, which may raise legal questions about the compliance of the company’s actions with Ukrainian law.

The possibility of blocking TikTok in Ukraine if similar problems arise as in the United States cannot be ruled out.

“The future of TikTok in Ukraine depends on numerous factors, including legal and political decisions. If the platform is able to resolve the legal challenges, TikTok can continue its expansion in Ukraine. However, any changes in legislation or the political situation could affect its operations.”

Konstantin Sklyar

Attorney Stanislav Liflianchyk also confirms that TikTok may be blocked in Ukraine. However, he drew attention to the importance of developing Ukrainian social networks. He says he wants not only to criticize foreign resources, but also to see by example what a Ukrainian platform should look like, which, unfortunately, no one is trying to create.

“As the owner of a TikTok channel with more than 140,000 subscribers, I will feel sorry for the amount of work I have spent on popularizing my blog. But it won’t be a disaster. We can survive, because we have other social networks. Although I will have to invest in another platform again.”

Stanislav Liflianchyk

The fate of TikTok in the US

Not to close, but to buy. During his visit to Florida, US President Donald Trump shared that he is actively negotiating with several people about the possibility of buying the social network TikTok. According to him, the interest in the platform is very high.

“I’ve talked to a lot of people about TikTok, and there is a lot of interest in this social network,”

– Trump told reporters.

According to sources, the Trump administration is working on a plan to rescue TikTok, which involves cooperation with Oracle and other external investors to take control of the platform. Under the terms of the agreement, the Chinese company ByteDance, which owns TikTok, will retain its stake, but Oracle will control data collection and software updates. The latter is already responsible for the infrastructure of the TikTok web service.

When asked whether Trump is preparing a deal with Oracle and other investors, the president said that there is no confirmation yet. However, according to the terms of the negotiations, some of ByteDance’s current investors in the US will also have a role in the process.

As a reminder, TikTok entered into an agreement with Oracle in 2022 to ensure the safety of US users’ data, which helped to mitigate the US government’s concerns about Chinese interference. Under the terms of the agreement, the social network’s management will remain unchanged. Earlier, Trump publicly expressed his desire to block TikTok in the United States, but later changed his mind. In 2023, due to ByteDance’s refusal to sell its stake in TikTok, the social network stopped operating in the US for several hours, but was restored after the president promised to reconsider the decision.

A new proposal to merge TikTok with Perplexity AI, an artificial intelligence company, envisages the creation of a NewCo holding company. According to this proposal, the US government may receive a 50% stake in the company. The decision on the social network may be made in the next 30 days.

Anastasiia Fedor
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