Hyperconnected: children and adolescents on social media. The TikTok phenomenon.

Network communication digital platforms have revolutionized the way we communicate, get information, and entertain ourselves; they have had a major impact on the new generations. The pandemic has increased consumption patterns at all ages and its consequences: a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, sleep, psychological, cognitive, memory/attention, and academic performance disorders, problematic behaviors, and risks of cyberbullying. The activity of the new generations on TikTok -a platform that allows them to create, view, share videos and viral challenges- has affected their behavior. Their posts lead to likes, comments, and followers; this stimulates the dopaminergic reward system, which is the basis of addictive behaviors. Pediatricians should be aware of these behaviors in order to recommend good practices. The objective of this narrative review, based on the bibliography from PubMed Central, SciELO, national and international recommendations, is to provide information and an update to health care providers on TikTok, its characteristics, and the recommendations for safe use.
(Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.)