Kingston University students are finding their TikTok addiction is preventing them from studying or revising for exams.
A new survey exclusively conducted by The River found that 73% of respondents believe that the video-sharing app had shortened their attention span.
These results are particularly concerning as students are gearing up for Kingston University’s gruelling exam period, or facing assignment deadlines.
Manar Alsager, a first-year computer science student, said: “With short form media like TikTok it’s hard to stay focused. I can barely finish a two-hour movie, and studying is even harder.”
Her view was shared by first-year computer science student, Natasha Hussain, who added: “The way we consume media is focused in short bursts of information so you get used to that. When I’m studying, I want the information there and then. It’s harder to process”
Studying for exams is already stressful enough, but for students who have conditions like ADHD it’s even more compounding. “Studying is already hard because of my ADHD and adding TikTok to the mix doesn’t make it easier,” Hussain said.
Simply getting off TikTok is easier said than done as TikTok is hailed as one of the most addictive apps. TikTok’s highly personalised algorithm and social aspects like comments create a feedback loop of social validation, which makes it harder for students to put it down. In the UK, young people on average spend two hours on TikTok a day, according to a 2025 survey by Exploding Topics.
This issue has led some students to change their methods of studying and leaning to more unconventional methods to prepare for exam season. Nyasha Dzashe, a first-year computer science student, said: “Sometimes you have to bet money. I have to tell my mum if I don’t study you can take £5 off me.”
Dzashe also credited productivity app Flora as something that helps her keep on task. The app helps users stay focused by growing virtual trees while they complete their tasks. “On Flora I can also bet, so if I don’t complete the tasks, whatever I’m growing in the app dies and it takes whatever amount of money I bet,” said Dzashe.
Dzashe is not alone in using this novel method. Almost 82% of students say they are using apps to fix their attention span.
Music seems to be another method they are using to “lock in” this exam season. A survey by Youth Music found that 60% of students tend to listen to music while they are studying. “I love studying to R&B, it just relaxes my mind and helps me focus,” said Hussain.