TikTok will now give you badges to reduce fatal scrolling

TikTok is rolling out new digital wellbeing features like an affirmation journal and a background audio generator with the aim of improving the mental health of its users. The social network said it will also give users badges to control their use of TikTok.

The company is redesigning its screen time management page and adding new features to it. This includes an affirmation journal with over 120 positive prompts that allow users to set your intention for the day, a sound generator that can play soothing sounds like rain or ocean waves, and a breathing exercise module. The page will also feature content from creators talking about limiting screen time, using parental tools, and personalizing their feeds, the company said.

TikTok is also launching new badges to reward people who use the platform within limits, especially teens. The company said it reviewed academic literature on digital wellbeing and found that overly restrictive tools could have a negative impact on teens.

To get these badges, users need to complete different tasks. Users can complete the Sleep Hours task by avoiding using the platform at night. They can also use new meditation tools to earn a badge. TikTok also rewards people who set a daily screen time limit and use the app within those limits with a badge. There are other badges to view your weekly screen time report and invite others to complete these tasks.

The company said that during its early testing, it noticed that more people visited the new Well-being screen than the previous version of the Screen Time menu, with the Affirmation Journal being the most popular tool.

TikTok said it will display a link to these tools when someone uses the app at night or when they reach their daily screen time limit.

The company launched New parental controls in Julygiving guardians the ability to block certain accounts and get notifications when teens upload a public video or story. Last month, technology companies including dead, YouTube, OpenAIand Seditionadded new safety tools with the aim of increasing teenagers’ safety.