Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter discusses the fundamental concepts and principles

relevant to the current study. It highlights the theoretical and empirical

foundations that guided the study’s conceptual framework. By examining

relevant literature and studies, this chapter provides insights and context that

help shape the direction of the investigation.

Related Literature

The review of related literature is categorized under headings aligned

with the key themes of the study, namely: 1) On Defining TikTok, 2)

Educational Potential of TikTok; 3) Impact of TikTok on Students’ Learning and

4) Challenges in Using TikTok as an Educational Tool.

On Defining TikTok

Singh (2023) claims that social media is now regards as a learning

platform that enhances student engagement and capabilities in many

schools. With the use of social media platforms in school, the students get

motivated and encourage to learn. As a social media platform, TikTok has the

potential to engage students through short, creative, and informative

content, making learning more accessible and interactive. By examining its

influence, we aim to understand how it supports academic performance and

complements traditional educational methods, as highlighted in Singh's

findings.
 12

As Wu (2020) states that youngsters, especially Gen Zs, are spending

an average of 52 minutes every day on TikTok and due to this amount of time

being spent, he concluded that TikTok should be taken into consideration as

an educational platform and that made success in Indonesian and Indian

school. As of 2023, TikTok boasts over 1 billlion active users worldwide, with

alarge percentage comprising students and young professionals (Chowdhurry,

2023). TikTok’s algorithm curates personalized content, making it an ideal

platform for delivering bite-sized educational materials (Perez, 2022).

Moreover, Smith (2021) emphasizes that TikTok’s unique features such

as duet videos, hashtag trends, and user-friendly editing tools have allowed

users to share knowledge in creative and innovative ways. These

characteristics have positioned TikTok as not only an entertainment platform

but also a potential tool for learning and skill development across various

fields.

Educational Potential of TikTok

Davis and Roberts (2022) highlight that TikTok’s multimedia format,

combining visuals and audio, caters to different learning styles, particularly

for visual and auditory learners. Teachers have also started leveraging TikTok

for disseminating STEM-related content, simplifying complex concepts into

short, digestible formats (Martinez, 2023).

Additionally, TikTok fosters collaborative learning by encouraging

students to create and share educational videos, promoting active

participation (Young et al., 2021). This aligns with constructivist theories,

which advocate for learning through interaction and creation.

Impact of TikTok on Student’s Learning

 13

TikTok has had a noticable impact on the learning behaviors of

students. It enhances motivation and curiosity by presenting academic

content in a fun and relatable manner (Huang, 2023). According to Lee and

Park (2022), STEM students who utilized TikTok for supplementary learning

reported improved comprehension and retention of specific principles.

However, some researchers caution against over-reliance on TikTok.

Prolonged usage may lead to distraction and reduced focus on formal

academic tasks (Santos et al., 2023). The balance between using TikTok as an

educational tool and managing screen time remains a critical factor for

optimizing its benefits.

Challenges in Using TikTok as an Educational Tool

Despite its potential, TikTok faces several challenges when integrated

into educational settings. Concerns about data privacy, misinformation, and

the potential for misuse have been raised by educators and parents alike

(Gonzales, 2023). Furthermore, not all academic concepts can be effectively

condensed into TikTok’s short video format, posing limitations for its

application in more detailed or nuanced topics (Kim, 2023).

To address these issues, educators are encouraged to use TikTok in

conjunctions with other teaching tools and ensure proper monitoring of

content to maintain academic integrity (Williams & Cruz, 2022)..

On the other hand, Nguyen et al. (2021) claim that excessive reliance

on TikTok may lead to diminished critical thinking skills, as students tend to

passively consume content rather than actively analyze it. Hence, moderation
 14

and proper guidance are necessary to maximize its potential as an

educational tool.

Related Studies

This section presents the abstract of studies related to the use of

TikTok as an educational tool and its influence on STEM Senior High School

students, organized by themes and in chronological order.

On Defining TikTok

The study conducted by Firamadhina and Krisnani (2021) entitled The

Behavior of Generation Z towards The Use of TikTok Social Media examined

both the positive and negative impacts of TikTok on education and student

behavior. On the positive side, the study by Taubah (2020) entitled The

TikTok Application as a Learning Medium for Speaking Skills highlighted

TikTok as an effective learning medium by providing creative and interactive

content through features such as music, colors, and engaging visuals. It

proved particularly useful during the pandemic, enabling teachers to present

material innovatively.

Additionally, the study by Dewanta (2020) entitled Utilization of the

TikTok Application as a Learning Medium for the Indonesian Language found

that TikTok promotes digital literacy, enhances creativity, and reduces

shyness among students. It also fosters moral and religious values when the

content aligns with ethical teachings, supports entrepreneurship education,

and strengthens national identity by showcasing cultural and linguistic

elements.
 15

In relevance to the present study, these findings underscore TikTok’s

potential to facilitate innovative, interactive, and engaging learning

experiences. By leveraging its features, the platform can play a vital role in

improving students’ understanding and interest in STEM learning, thereby

contributing to more effective and modern educational practices.

Moreover, the study conducted by Nadiyah (2021), entitled Utilization

of the TikTok Application as a Learning Medium for Aqidah, highlights TikTok's

potential as a dynamic platform for educational outreach, demonstrating how

young preachers use it to make religious teachings more accessible and

relatable. However, its effectiveness in education relies on factors such as

user discipline, educator-driven content creation, and parental supervision to

balance creativity and digital literacy while mitigating negative effects.

In relevance, the present study builds on this understanding by

exploring how TikTok's features and widespread use can contribute to

educational innovation, fostering engagement and enhancing learning

experiences in a digital era.

On Educational Potential of TikTok

The study by Septy (2021) entitled The Effect of Using The TikTok

Application as a Learning Media on the Activeness and Learning Outcomes

reveals that the use of TikTok as a learning medium significantly improves

student engagement and learning outcomes. The findings suggest that TikTok

can be effectively utilized as an interactive and engaging educational tool,

leading to improved student outcomes and motivation in learning.

In relevance, the present study emphasizes the importance of

examining innovative digital platforms like TikTok in enhancing educational

 16

practices, contributing to the evolving discourse on technology integration in

modern learning environments.

On Impact of TikTok on Student’s Learning

In the study by Neng and Abidin (2023) entitled The Impact of Using

TikTok on Student Lifestyles Case Study at Indonesian Education University

Bandung Cibiru Campus, the development of the internet is increasingly

advanced, triggering the emergence of various new social media, including

TikTok. The results of the study stated that the use of the TikTok application

had positive and negative impacts on student lifestyles.

This study is relevant to the present study as it highlights TikTok's

impact on student lifestyles, providing insights into its influence.

Motivation is another factor that affects learning performance. The

case study by Lin and Liu (2021) entitled Can TikTok Motivate Student's

Learning in Higher Education examine the impact of TikTok on student

learning motivation. Studies have shown that TikTok has a positive effect on

students' motivation to learn. In addition, the study found that TikTok improve

students' ability to acquire information and reinforce the information they

receive.

This study is highly relevant to the present study as it demonstrates

TikTok's potential to positively influence students' motivation and learning

outcomes.

On Challenges in Using TikTok as an Educational Tool

The study by Jeilani (2022) entitled Students' Dependence on Tiktok

and Associated factors Among Students' Academic Performance in Primary

 17

and Secondary Schools in Mogadishu-Somalia emphasized TikTok's

substantial influence on academic productivity. The study examined TikTok's

impact on Somali secondary students, identifying it as a distraction that

negatively affected academic performance, opposing earlier findings

suggesting a neutral effect of social media on grades.

Similarly, the study of Okpongkpoog et al. (2023) entitled Tiktok effect

on academic performance reported TikTok's adverse effects on academic

productivity among mass communication students at Ritman University,

highlighting its role as a major distraction.

The study of Hill et al. (2024) entitled The Role of a Major Social Media

Platform on Students Academic Performance found no positive correlation

between social media use and academic performance, supporting a focus on

productivity but differing in platform specificity.

In relevance to the present study, these findings are highly relevant as

it provides a focused understanding of TikTok's influence in STEM Learning,

which is the core focus of the present research.

The study by Nizam et al. (2021) The relationship between the impact

of social media and students' academic performance noted TikTok's addictive

nature as a significant distraction for Malaysian university students, echoing

concerns about its impact on high school students' productivity.

The study by Selviana et al. (2024) Exploring the Impact of Tiktok and

Social Media addiction on Bedtime Procrastination among High School

students linked TikTok addiction to sleep deprivation and poor academic

performance, emphasizing the role of time management.

The study by Dahliana et al. (2022) The impact of the use of Tiktok

application on Education in Indonesia highlighted TikTok's dual educational

 18

effects in Indonesia, balancing positive and negative aspects but aligning with

the current research’s focus on its harmful consequences.

The study by Ettisa and Regasa (2023) The Impact of Tiktok on

students revealed that high TikTok usage among young adults reduced

academic productivity, reinforcing the study’s emphasis on TikTok’s

detrimental effects on high school students. Together, these studies affirm

TikTok's negative impact on academic productivity, supporting the current

investigation’s relevance.

In relevance, the present study is highly relevant as it provides a

comprehensive understanding of TikTok's role in STEM education, which is the

core focus of the present research.

Synthesis of Related Literature and Studies

Similarly, Singh (2023), Wu (2020), Smith (2021), Davis and Roberts

(2022), Martinez (2023), and Young et al. (2021) emphasize TikTok's potential

as an educational tool that promotes student engagement, creativity, and

active learning. These studies reveal that TikTok’s multimedia format caters

to diverse learning styles and enhances the retention of knowledge.

Additionally, collaborative learning is fostered by encouraging students to

create and share educational content, aligning with constructivist theories of

learning. TikTok’s short, interactive videos, personalized content delivery, and

user-friendly features are identified as significant drivers of its educational

potential.

However, Santos et al. (2023), Gonzales (2023), Kim (2023), Jeilani

(2022), and Nizam et al. (2021) caution against the challenges posed by
 19

TikTok’s use in education. The platform’s addictive nature, potential for

misinformation, and distractions can negatively impact academic

performance. These studies stress the importance of balanced usage and

content creation to mitigate its adverse effects. Excessive reliance on TikTok

may lead to diminished critical thinking and reduced focus on formal

academic tasks.

In the same manner, Nguyen et al. (2021) and Selviana et al. (2024)

point out that without proper monitoring and moderation, TikTok’s

educational potential could be overshadowed by its addictive tendencies and

detrimental effects on productivity and time management.

On the other hand, Dahliana et al. (2022), Ettisa and Regata (2023),

and Hill et al. (2024) highlight the need for a balanced approach to

integrating TikTok into academic environments. They emphasize that while

TikTok offers innovative methods to engage students, educators must ensure

proper content curation and time management to prevent distractions and

optimize learning outcomes.

Conceptual Framework

Figure 1 presents the conceptual framework for this investigation,

which

demonstrates the relationship between the sets of variables used in the study

and the desired result of the findings result of the findings resulting from the

relationship of the variables.

 20

The first frame presents the input of the study, showing the

relationships between the sets of variables established in the study, which

composed of the respondents profiles in terms of age, sex, and grade level. It

also includes the examination on how TikTok influences STEM learning,

including the understanding, retention, and application and to assess the

effectiveness of TikTok as an educational tool in enhancing STEM learning,

including the interest, collaboration, and innovation.

The second frame presents the process of the study that involves the

assessment of Exploring the Influence of TikTok as Educational Tool for

Enhancing STEM Learning Among SHS Students through focus group

interview and thematic analysis.

The third frame presents the output of the study, which includes the

assessed Influence of TikTok as Educational Tool for Enhancing STEM

Learning among SHS Students.

The arrows show the connection and transformation of the input

variables into the assessment process, leading to the output of the assessed

Influence of TikTok as Educational Tool for Enhancing STEM Learning among

SHS Students.
 21

Research Paradigm

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1. Profile of Malasiqui
National High School
Students in terms of;

Age;

Sex; and

Grade level.

2. To explore how Assessment of The Influence of TikTok

TikTok influences Exploring the Influence as Educational Tool for
STEM learning in terms of TikTok as Enhancing STEM
of: Educational Tool for Learning among SHS
Enhancing STEM Students is identified
2.1 Understanding; Learning Among SHS
2.2 Retention; and Through:

2.2 Application. • Focused Group

Interview
3. To assess the • Coding
effectiveness of TikTok • Thematic Analysis
as an educational tool
in enhancing STEM
learning
in terms of:

3.1 Interest;

3.2 Collaboration;
and
 22

Figure 1: A research paradigm showing the relationship between the profile

variables of the Senior High School students and the assessment on the
Exploring the Influence of TikTok as Educational Tool for Enhancing STEM
Learning Among SHS