A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF TIKTOK’S INFLUENCE ON YOUTH DISCIPLINE: A STUDY OF THEATRE ARTS STUDENTS OF EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY.

This study critically analyzes the influence of TikTok on youth discipline, with a focus on Theatre Arts students of Ekiti State University. Anchored in the Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT), the research explores the gratifications sought by students—entertainment, information, social connection, identity expression, and self-esteem—and how these shape behavioral outcomes. The study employs quantitative research to gather data through a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 200 respondents. The results indicate that a large number of respondents uses TikTok for different purposes. The study reveals that TikTok has been advantageous to most of the respondents. Findings indicate that TikTok operates as both a creative and social tool, offering educational content, artistic inspiration, and peer networking. However, its effects on discipline are dual in nature. Positive outcomes include enhanced self-expression, collaboration, and access to informational resources, while negative tendencies involve diminished academic focus, poor time management, and the adoption of trends conflicting with institutional behavioral standards. Peer influence, viral challenges, and the pursuit of online visibility emerged as critical determinants of conduct. The study concludes that TikTok’s impact on youth discipline is contingent upon the type of content consumed and the intent behind its use. It recommends integrating digital literacy programs and discipline-focused social media training into university activities, enabling students to maximize TikTok’s benefits while mitigating adverse effects. Word count: 221 Keywords: TikTok, youth discipline, Uses and Gratifications Theory, Theatre Arts students, Ekiti State University, social media.