TikTok has become an integral part of daily life for many young people in the United Arab Emirates, influencing how they spend their time and interact with their surroundings. Three UAE residents, aged between 17 and 23, shared their experiences with the app, revealing diverse impacts on productivity, focus, and social interaction.

For 23-year-old Alreem Ali, TikTok has grown into a nearly constant companion, with her spending up to eight hours daily on the platform. Her work routine and lengthy commutes contribute to this extensive usage, as she scrolls through videos during travel and quick breaks at her job. Ali described how TikTok's short, engaging clips cater to her desire for instant gratification but have also diminished her attention span. She noted difficulty in watching longer content, often multitasking between shows and TikTok, which leads to prolonged viewing times due to missed segments. Despite acknowledging the app’s negative effects, Ali values its role in socializing, particularly at work where viral trends foster shared humor among colleagues. She expressed no intention to reduce her usage, citing the app’s ability to provide quick moments of happiness.

In contrast, 21-year-old university student and employee Alia Saif found TikTok to be a distraction that impeded her productivity. She recounted how breaks intended to be brief escalated into extended scrolling sessions, doubling the time required to complete tasks. After deciding to delete the app temporarily, Saif observed a marked improvement in her focus and efficiency. She now prioritizes completing assignments and work before using TikTok and avoids checking her phone immediately after waking. Saif regards days with limited TikTok use as more fulfilling and productive and believes she could have better spent the time previously devoted to scrolling. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed regret over ever downloading the app.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Salem Hamad integrates TikTok into his physical activity routine by scrolling through videos during his daily goal of 20,000 steps. Hamad prefers TikTok’s short clips over longer videos, finding them easy to follow without requiring sustained concentration. Unlike Ali and Saif, he does not perceive any negative impact on his attention or daily functioning. For him, TikTok serves as an enjoyable accompaniment to his walking routine rather than a distractor from responsibilities.

These varied perspectives highlight the complex role TikTok plays in the everyday lives of young Emiratis. While some find it a source of relaxation and social connection, others see it as a challenge to time management and focus. Whether as a habitual pastime, a tool for brief distraction, or simply background entertainment, TikTok continues to shape how youth in the UAE navigate their daily routines.