[OPINION] One Minute Becomes an Hour

You might not realize you’re only opening TikTok for a minute, just to watch a video or two before continuing your studies or work. But then you realize your thumbs are constantly moving and the videos are constantly changing, and before you know it, an hour has disappeared. Just imagine, a small intention to “check it out” can turn into a long, unplanned journey.

This phenomenon isn’t just happening to one or a few people, but to millions of others, especially among Generation Z. TikTok is designed with short, fast, and highly personalized content, as if it truly knows what people like. Every swipe of the screen brings a new, more engaging video than the last, keeping your brain curious and wanting to scroll through videos continuously.

This fact is even more pronounced in Indonesia, as Indonesia officially holds the title of the country with the most TikTok users in the world by 2025. According to the latest report from We Are Social and Meltwater, the number of TikTok users in Indonesia reached 194.37 million as of July 2025. This figure places Indonesia at the top globally, surpassing the United States and Brazil. With such a large user base, it’s no surprise that scrolling through TikTok has become an ingrained habit in people’s daily lives, especially for Generation Z, who spends most of their time using digital devices.

Behind the fun, this habit can have many impacts that often go unnoticed. TikTok is indeed fun, but uncontrolled use can impact quality of life. Focus on studying can be disrupted because attention is easily distracted by notifications or the urge to “check quickly.” Schoolwork or work assignments can pile up when someone chooses to open TikTok to unwind, even though they only intended to do so briefly but end up dragging on. Rest time is also reduced, especially at night, causing many people to sleep late due to endless scrolling. Another impact is that some people begin to feel anxious if they don’t use TikTok because their brains become accustomed to receiving rapid stimulation, making content outside of TikTok less engaging.

However, this doesn’t mean TikTok should be avoided entirely. This platform still offers many positive aspects, such as entertainment, education, inspiration, and opportunities for creativity. What is needed is the ability to manage time wisely so that entertainment doesn’t turn into a detrimental habit.

There are several simple yet effective ways to overcome this addiction to scrolling. Try setting screen time limits on both your smartphone and the TikTok app. With automatic limits, you can control the duration of use to avoid overuse. For example, after studying, after finishing work, or before bed, limit your screen time to a specific amount of time. This can help reduce the habit of opening the app impulsively.

Choosing specific content can also have a positive impact. Get into the habit of watching useful content so that your time spent still provides positive value, whether in the form of information, learning new skills, or motivation. Furthermore, it’s important to be aware of the signs of “overuse.” Some signs include difficulty stopping even when there are other tasks waiting, feeling restless when not using TikTok, or using the app as an escape from responsibilities.

Some people even open TikTok unconsciously while doing other things, such as studying, eating, or taking a break. When these signs appear, it’s best to stop, take a breath, and engage in other, more relaxing activities. Taking a short walk, drinking water, or talking to someone else can help distract you and reduce the urge to keep scrolling.

Taking a digital break, also known as a digital detox, can also be a solution. It doesn’t have to be long; just one TikTok-free day each week can help restore focus and create a balance between the digital world and real-life activities. Reducing phone use or keeping it out of reach while studying or working, for example in a drawer or another room, is also a strategy to reduce the temptation to spontaneously open TikTok. Managing time doesn’t mean stopping entirely. What’s needed is awareness of when to restrain ourselves. Start with small things like setting a timer, designating specific hours for using TikTok, or putting your phone away while studying or working. These simple changes often have a bigger impact than we imagine.

If you ever find it hard to stop, remember that life is much bigger than the small screen in your hand. There are many good things waiting to be done, many dreams to be achieved, and so much time to be filled with meaningful things. TikTok will always be around, and videos will continue to emerge, but opportunities and focus can’t always wait. Ultimately, balance is key. Enjoy TikTok, but don’t let the app take over your best time. Remember: “Mobile phones are controlled by humans, not the other way around.”

By: Aldo Wijaya, Mathematics Student, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Lambung Mangkurat University

Published in the Radar Banjarmasin Newspaper, December 12, 2025