University should provide education and awareness programs

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 98 views

The Influence of TikTok Application on the Openness of Students of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of North Sumatra

Introduction

In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives, and its impact on our behavior, communication, and social interaction cannot be overstated. Among the various social media platforms available, TikTok has emerged as a popular platform, especially among the younger generation. With its short-form video content and creative features, TikTok has become a hub for self-expression, creativity, and social interaction. However, the question remains: how does the use of TikTok application influence the openness of students, particularly those from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of North Sumatra?

Theoretical Framework

The concept of openness refers to the ability of individuals to share personal information and feelings with others. This concept is closely related to the theories of communication, new media communication, and the AIDDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) model. The AIDDA model, in particular, suggests that individuals are more likely to engage in a behavior if they are exposed to a stimulus that captures their attention, generates interest, and creates a desire to act. In the context of TikTok, the platform's creative features and short-form video content can be seen as a stimulus that captures users' attention, generates interest, and creates a desire to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Methodology

This study employed a quantitative approach, involving a population of 1,772 students from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of North Sumatra. The sample size was determined using the Slovin formula, which produced a sample of 95 people. The sampling technique used was proportionate stratified random sampling, which aimed to make the samples taken represent the entire population. Data collection was conducted through field research techniques and literature studies. The analysis method applied was correlation analysis, which aimed to find the relationship between one variable with another variable. The data analysis techniques used included single table analysis, cross table, and hypothesis testing using SPSS software version 23.0.

Results

The results of the correlation coefficient test (RS) showed a value of 0.628, which indicated a significant relationship between the influence of the TikTok application and self-disclosure. This means that the use of the TikTok application affects self-disclosure, especially among USU FISIP students. The findings of this study suggest that the use of TikTok can increase self-disclosure, which is a crucial aspect of openness.

Discussion

The influence of the TikTok application on student openness is very relevant in the context of communication and social interaction in the current digital age. TikTok as a social media platform offers a large space for its users to express themselves, share experiences, and interact with others. Through a creative and diverse short video, students can show various aspects of their lives, ranging from hobbies, opinions, to social problems faced. Openness, which is the ability of individuals to share personal information and feelings to others, is influenced by various factors. With the TikTok application, students can feel the urge to share more about themselves, because of the nature of the platform that encourages interaction and feedback from other users. This certainly can help in their self-development, expand social networks, and improve communication skills.

However, it is essential to note that although TikTok can increase self-disclosure, its use must also be balanced with awareness of privacy and limits in sharing information. Too much sharing personal aspects openly can be risky, especially in terms of safety and reputation. Therefore, it is crucial for students to be aware of the potential risks and benefits associated with using TikTok and to use the platform responsibly.

Conclusion

This study provides an important insight into the influence of modern social media, especially TikTok, in the formation of students' character and openness. The results of this research can be a reference for the university, especially in the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, to understand the behavior of students in using social media and their impact on social interaction and self-disclosure. The findings of this study suggest that the use of TikTok can increase self-disclosure, which is a crucial aspect of openness. However, it is essential to note that the use of TikTok must be balanced with awareness of privacy and limits in sharing information.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

University should provide education and awareness programs on the responsible use of social media, particularly TikTok, to students.
Students should be aware of the potential risks and benefits associated with using TikTok and to use the platform responsibly.
Faculty of Social and Political Sciences should conduct further research on the impact of social media on students' behavior and social interaction.
University should develop policies and guidelines on the use of social media, particularly TikTok, to ensure that students use the platform responsibly and safely.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Sampling technique: The sampling technique used in this study was proportionate stratified random sampling, which may not be representative of the entire population.
Data collection method: The data collection method used in this study was field research techniques and literature studies, which may not be comprehensive.

Future Research Directions

This study provides a foundation for further research on the impact of social media on students' behavior and social interaction. Future research should aim to:

Investigate the impact of social media on students' mental health.
Examine the relationship between social media use and academic performance.
Develop policies and guidelines on the use of social media, particularly TikTok, to ensure that students use the platform responsibly and safely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides an important insight into the influence of modern social media, especially TikTok, in the formation of students' character and openness. The results of this research can be a reference for the university, especially in the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, to understand the behavior of students in using social media and their impact on social interaction and self-disclosure. The findings of this study suggest that the use of TikTok can increase self-disclosure, which is a crucial aspect of openness. However, it is essential to note that the use of TikTok must be balanced with awareness of privacy and limits in sharing information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of TikTok on Student Openness

Q: What is the main purpose of this study? A: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of TikTok on student openness, particularly among students from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of North Sumatra.

Q: What is student openness? A: Student openness refers to the ability of students to share personal information and feelings with others. It is an important aspect of communication and social interaction.

Q: How does TikTok influence student openness? A: TikTok can increase student openness by providing a platform for self-expression, creativity, and social interaction. Through short-form video content, students can share various aspects of their lives, ranging from hobbies, opinions, to social problems faced.

Q: What are the benefits of using TikTok for students? A: The benefits of using TikTok for students include:

Increased self-disclosure
Improved communication skills
Expanded social networks
Enhanced self-development

Q: What are the risks associated with using TikTok? A: The risks associated with using TikTok include:

Safety risks (e.g., cyberbullying, online harassment)
Reputation risks (e.g., sharing personal information that may be misinterpreted or used against the student)
Privacy risks (e.g., sharing personal information that may be accessed by others)

Q: How can students use TikTok responsibly? A: Students can use TikTok responsibly by:

Being aware of the potential risks and benefits associated with using TikTok
Setting boundaries and limits on what they share online
Being mindful of their online presence and reputation
Using TikTok in a way that promotes positive and respectful communication

Q: What can universities do to support students in using TikTok responsibly? A: Universities can support students in using TikTok responsibly by:

Providing education and awareness programs on the responsible use of social media
Developing policies and guidelines on the use of social media, particularly TikTok
Encouraging students to use TikTok in a way that promotes positive and respectful communication

Q: What are the implications of this study for education and social media? A: The implications of this study for education and social media include:

The need for education and awareness programs on the responsible use of social media
The importance of developing policies and guidelines on the use of social media, particularly TikTok
The need for further research on the impact of social media on students' behavior and social interaction

Q: What are the limitations of this study? A: The limitations of this study include:

Sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Sampling technique: The sampling technique used in this study was proportionate stratified random sampling, which may not be representative of the entire population.
Data collection method: The data collection method used in this study was field research techniques and literature studies, which may not be comprehensive.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study? A: Future research directions for this study include:

Investigating the impact of social media on students' mental health
Examining the relationship between social media use and academic performance
Developing policies and guidelines on the use of social media, particularly TikTok, to ensure that students use the platform responsibly and safely.