TIKTOK AND EMOTIONAL SATISFACTION OF TERTIARY INSTITUTION STUDENTS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18014161 383 ISRG PUBLISHERS Abbreviated Key Title: ISRG J Arts Humanit Soc Sci ISSN: 2583-7672 (Online) Journal homepage: https://isrgpublishers.com/isrgjahss Volume – III Issue -VI (November-December) 2025 Frequency: Bimonthly TIKTOK AND EMOTIONAL SATISFACTION OF TERTIARY INSTITUTION STUDENTS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA NDU-OKOLIE, Ifeoma Sarah1*, IHECHU, Innocent Paschal.2 1 Department of Mass Communication, Clifford University, Owerrinta, Abia State, Nigeria. 2 Department Of Mass Communication, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria. | Received: 07.12.2025 | Accepted: 11.12.2025 | Published: 22.12.2025 *Corresponding author: NDU-OKOLIE, Ifeoma Sarah Department of Mass Communication, Clifford University, Owerrinta, Abia State, Nigeria. INTRODUCTION The emergence of mobile internet and digital communication has transformed how people interact, entertain, and express themselves. The rise of social media platforms—such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and recently TikTok—has redefined human connection and content creation. Among these platforms, TikTok, a short-form video application developed by ByteDance, has grown exponentially in global influence, particularly among youth populations. The platform allows users to create and share 15–60 second videos, incorporating music, sound, and visual effects. With over one billion users globally (Iqbal, 2020), TikTok has become a digital ecosystem that fosters creativity, entertainment, and interaction. Abstract This study examined the influence of TikTok on the emotional satisfaction of tertiary student users in Abia State, Nigeria. It sought to determine the extent of exposure of students to TikTok, identify the motivations for its use, and assess the degree of emotional fulfillment derived from the platform. Guided by the Uses and Gratifications Theory, the study adopted a survey design. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 382 respondents drawn from a population of 59,721 students across public tertiary institutions in Abia State. Findings revealed high exposure and active participation on TikTok; primary motivations included entertainment, creativity and social connection. Results showed that TikTok provides peace of mind, relaxation and a sense of belonging, and that there is a strong positive relationship between TikTok use and emotional satisfaction (r = 0.83). The study concluded that TikTok positively influences students’ emotional wellbeing while cautioning against excessive use. Recommendations include promoting responsible use and incorporating digital literacy for healthier engagement. Keywords: TikTok, Emotional Satisfaction, Social Media, Uses and Gratifications, Tertiary Students Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18014161 384 Globally, TikTok has transcended being merely a leisure application; it now serves as a tool for digital marketing, social activism, and community engagement (Mohsin, 2020). Its popularity among young people has been attributed to the platform’s ease of use, immersive video features, and participatory culture. Young users engage in challenges, trends, and creative performances that provide social validation and recognition (Vela, 2020). In the United States, for instance, 60% of TikTok users are between the ages of 16–24, spending an average of 52 minutes daily on the app (Chappel, 2020). Similar trends have been reported across Asia, Europe, and Africa, where the platform continues to gain popularity among students and young adults. In Nigeria, the use of social media has become integral to youth culture. According to Sasu (2022), over 28 million Nigerians actively use social media, with TikTok accounting for nearly onethird of that audience. Nigerian youths use the platform to express humor, perform dances, and participate in viral trends. Beyond entertainment, TikTok has become a creative and entrepreneurial space where users showcase talents, advertise products, and engage with global communities. Despite these benefits, scholars have raised concerns about its implications on mental health, productivity, and emotional wellbeing (Noyer, 2020). With increasing exposure to TikTok among tertiary students, questions have emerged regarding how this engagement influences their emotional satisfaction—a psychological state of contentment or pleasure derived from experiences. Emotional satisfaction may stem from feelings of relaxation, belonging, recognition, or achievement. However, excessive social media usage can also lead to negative emotions such as anxiety, comparison, or dependency (Verduyn et al., 2015). The delicate balance between digital gratification and emotional wellbeing necessitates empirical inquiry, particularly in Nigeria, where studies on TikTok’s psychological effects are limited. This study, therefore, investigates how TikTok influences the emotional satisfaction of tertiary students in Abia State. It examines the extent of exposure, factors motivating usage, and the degree of emotional fulfilment derived from participation on the platform. Understanding these dynamics is essential in identifying how social media shapes emotional wellbeing among young adults. The findings will provide insights for educators, policymakers, and media practitioners to foster responsible and meaningful digital engagement among students. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM As the large user numbers in a very short time-window demonstrate, TikTok not only represents a global phenomenon but also has been criticised with respect to data protection privacy issues, spreading hate and might serve as a platform engendering cyberbullying. Given the many young users of this platform (e.g., 81.68% of China users of TikTok are under 35 years old, and 32.5% of the US users are 24 years old and younger, it is of particular relevance to better understand the motivation to use TikTok. Furthermore, of the studies that applied UGT to social media and defined the usage behaviours, many looked at one level of usage (creating content) without first putting that type of use into perspective by also studying motivations to consume and participate on social media. Emotional satisfaction is said to be a pleasant feeling one gets when they receive something they wanted or do something they wanted. It becomes unclear if the tertiary students who make use of TikTok actually get a feeling of pleasantness when they make use of TikTok. This is because previous studies have been carried out on the extent to which students made use of TikTok but none has made it imperative to highlight the uses and gratification aspect of it. Scholars are yet to establish how the usage of TikTok has any influence on the emotional satisfaction of users most especially those in Abia state tertiary institutions. The inability of scholars to ascertain the emotional satisfaction that people, most especially students in tertiary institutions derive from their constant exposure and usage of social media platforms such as TikTok necessitated the need for this research. Thus it becomes necessary to study the extent tertiary students in Abia state make use of TikTok and the influence it has on their emotional satisfaction. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The major aim of this study was to ascertain how TikTok influences the emotional satisfaction of tertiary student users in Abia State, Nigeria. However, the specific objectives were to: i. determine the extent to which tertiary students in Abia State use TikTok. ii. ascertain the factors that motivate tertiary students in Abia State to use TikTok. iii. ascertain the ways in which tertiary student users in Abia State participate in TikTok. iv. examine the extent tertiary student users in Abia State feel satisfied by participating in TikTok. v. determine the extent to which tertiary student users in Abia State derive emotional satisfaction from usingTikTok. HYPOTHESIS The following hypothesis was formulated to determine the relationships between the variables in the study. Ho1:There is no significant relationship between the use of TikTok and the emotional satisfaction of tertiary student users in Abia State. LITERATURE REVIEWE Social media has evolved into an indispensable tool for communication, entertainment, and identity formation. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have redefined how young people express themselves, form communities, and derive emotional satisfaction (O’Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson, 2011). The participatory nature of social media allows users not only to consume content but to create and distribute it, thereby fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging. Among Nigerian youths, social media engagement is often motivated by the need for recognition, creativity, and entertainment (Eke, Omekwu & Odoh, 2014). TikTok and Participatory Culture TikTok distinguishes itself from other social platforms through its short-form, music-driven videos and algorithmic personalization. The app allows users to recreate trending videos, perform challenges, and engage with global audiences. This participatory culture makes it a unique environment for self-expression and digital creativity (Zulli & Zulli, 2020). The combination of humor, music, and motion not only appeals to users’ visual and emotional senses but also reinforces their connection to online communities. For tertiary students, TikTok serves as both a social and emotional Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18014161 385 outlet, helping them relax, showcase talent, and connect with peers (Vela, 2020). Emotional Satisfaction and Social Media Use Emotional satisfaction refers to the psychological comfort or pleasure derived from an activity or interaction (Yee, 2006). In the context of social media, it manifests in the form of joy, relaxation, self-expression, and social validation. Studies have shown that active social media engagement can elevate mood and provide stress relief (Reinecke & Trepte, 2014). However, excessive use may also lead to negative outcomes such as emotional fatigue, social comparison, or decreased attention (Verduyn et al., 2015). TikTok’s fast-paced and immersive interface makes it particularly potent in stimulating emotional responses—both positive and negative. EMPIRICAL REVIEW Several empirical studies have examined the relationship between social media use and emotional wellbeing. Ham, Lee, and Jo (2014) found that social networking enhances psychological satisfaction by facilitating social connection and self-presentation. Similarly, Lu and Lee (2020) observed that interactive content on short-video platforms improves users’ emotional states through entertainment and creative involvement. In Nigeria, Udoakah and Akpan (2018) reported that social media platforms contribute significantly to youth self-expression and communication, but cautioned against overdependence that could impair interpersonal relationships. A related study by Nwafor (2021) showed that Nigerian university students use TikTok primarily for entertainment and to relieve academic stress. The study noted that emotional gratification derived from the platform is linked to feelings of excitement and self-worth. While these studies establish that social media impacts users’ emotional states, there remains limited understanding of TikTok’s specific role in shaping emotional satisfaction among tertiary students in Nigeria. This research therefore fills that gap by providing empirical evidence from Abia State. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK This study is anchored on the Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) proposed by Katz, Blumler, and Gurevitch (1974). The theory posits that media audiences are active participants who consciously select media to satisfy particular needs. These needs may include information, entertainment, personal identity, and social interaction. In relation to TikTok, tertiary students use the platform for entertainment, self-expression, and emotional release. The gratification derived from these activities determines the user’s level of satisfaction. This theory is relevant because it explains the motivations behind TikTok usage and how such motivations translate into emotional outcomes. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY This study employed the survey research design, which was suitable for gathering the opinions and attitudes of tertiary students in Abia State regarding their use of TikTok and the emotional satisfaction derived from it. The population consisted of 59,721 students across five public tertiary institutions in the state: ABSU, MOUAU, ABIAPOLY, ACOHSTA, and ASCETA. A sample size of 382 respondents was determined using an online sample size calculator at a 5% margin of error and 95% confidence level. The study adopted a multi-stage sampling technique: first grouping the institutions as clusters, then applying proportionate sampling to allocate sample units to each institution, and finally selecting respondents through availability sampling in classrooms, walkways, and relaxation areas. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed on a 5-point Likert scale. The instrument contained five sections aligned with the research questions. Face and content validity were ensured through review by the supervisor and experts in communication research and statistics. Reliability was confirmed using a pilot test conducted at Imo State University and Alvan Ikoku College of Education, where the Kuder-Richardson formula produced a reliability coefficient of 0.77, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Questionnaires were personally administered with the assistance of research aides to ensure a high return rate and provide clarification where needed. The resulting quantitative data were analyzed using frequency tables, percentages, and mean scores, with a cut-off point of 3.0 for significance. Finally, the hypothesis was tested using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation to determine the relationship between TikTok use and emotional satisfaction among the students. DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS A total of 364 valid responses were analysed. Demographic findings show that females (57%) were slightly more represented than males (43%), and most respondents were within the 16–25 age range, aligning with TikTok’s dominant youth user base. Reserach question 1: To what extent do tertiary students in Abia State use TikTok? Table 1: Level of TikTok Use Indices Rating SA 5 A 4 FA 3 D 2 SD 1 Total I frequently use TikTok 127 106 80 33 18 364 3.80 Accepted 76% 635 424 240 66 18 1,383 % 35 29 22 9 5 100 I make use of enhancement devices to create contents for TikTok 102 145 73 29 15 364 3.80 Accepted 76% 510 580 219 58 15 1,382 % 28 40 20 8 4 100 Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18014161 386 Indices Rating SA 5 A 4 FA 3 D 2 SD 1 Total I frequently use TikTok 127 106 80 33 18 364 3.80 Accepted 76% 635 424 240 66 18 1,383 % 35 29 22 9 5 100 I easily operate the features of TikTok 131 98 117 18 0 364 3.93 Accepted 79% 655 392 315 36 0 1,434 % 36 27 32 5 0 100 Results from table one demonstrate that students have high exposure to TikTok. They use the platform frequently, utilise enhancement devices such as ring lights and filters, and find TikTok very easy to operate. Mean scores ranging from 3.80 to 3.93 indicate that TikTok is widely accessed and comfortably used among tertiary students in Abia State. Research Question 2 :What are the factors that motivate tertiary student in Abia State to use TikTok? Table 2: Factors that Motivate use of TikTok Indices Rating SA 5 A 4 FA 3 D 2 SD 1 Total TikTok enhances my content creation ability 117 102 102 36 7 364 3.78 Accepted 75% 585 408 306 72 7 1,378 % 32 28 28 20 2 100 TikTok provides entertainment for me 153 124 73 7 7 364 4.12 Accepted 82% 765 496 219 14 7 1,501 % 42 34 20 2 2 100 I hope to make money through my TikTok posts. 80 131 109 29 15 364 3.63 Accepted 73% 400 524 327 58 15 1,324 % 22 36 30 8 4 100 Results from table 2 demonstrate that students are strongly motivated to use TikTok, especially for entertainment and creativity, with entertainment scoring the highest motivation level (4.12; 82%). Financial aspirations, such as followers and monetisation opportunities, also significantly motivate users. Research Question 3: In what ways do tertiary student users in Abia State participate in TikTok? Table 3: Ways of Participating in TikTok Indices Rating SA 5 A 4 FA 3 D 2 SD 1 Total I participate by posting contents on TikTok 102 117 94 44 7 364 3.72 Accepted 74% 510 468 282 88 7 1,355 % 28 32 26 12 2 100 I participate by receiving posts from others 87 73 109 73 22 364 3.35 Accepted 67% 435 292 327 146 22 1,222 % 24 20 30 20 6 100 I participate by commenting, liking, reacting and sharing TikTok posts 160 76 66 36 26 364 3.84 Accepted 77% 800 304 198 72 26 1,400 % 44 21 18 10 7 100 Results from table 3 demonstrate active participation in TikTok activities. Students frequently post content and engage through likes, comments, and shares. Although sharing and receiving content recorded moderate participation (3.35; 67%), overall participation levels remain high, confirming active user involvement. Research question 4:To what extent do tertiary student users in Abia State feel satisfied by participating in TikTok? Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18014161 387 Table 4:Level of satisfaction from participating in TikTok Indices Rating SA 5 A 4 FA 3 D 2 SD 1 Total I feel accepted by others when my posts receive positive comments, like and shares. 66 120 87 58 33 364 3.12 Accepted 62% 330 480 261 32 33 1,136 % 18 33 24 16 9 100 I feel satisfied with my creative ability which makes me believe in myself more. 73 124 94 62 11 364 3.51 Accepted 70% 365 496 282 124 11 1,278 % 20 34 26 17 3 100 I feel emotionally connected to my followers. 80 138 80 44 22 364 3.57 Accepted 71% 400 552 240 88 22 1,302 % 22 38 22 12 6 100 Results from table 4 demonstrate moderate to high emotional satisfaction derived from TikTok use. Students feel emotionally connected to followers and gain confidence from creative engagement. Acceptance through comments and reactions also contributes to their emotional satisfaction, with mean scores ranging from 3.12 to 3.57. Research Question 5:To what extent do tertiary student users in Abia State derive emotional satisfaction from using in TikTok? Table 5:Level of emotional satisfaction derived from using TikTok Indices Rating SA 5 A 4 FA 3 D 2 SD 1 Total TikTok use offers me peace of mind and comfort 149 73 62 58 22 364 3.73 Accepted 74% 745 292 186 116 22 1,361 % 41 20 17 16 6 100 I am always happy with my TikTok posts and the posts of other users. 135 83 66 58 22 364 3.68 Accepted 73% 675 332 198 116 22 1,343 % 37 23 18 16 6 100 I am contented with myself as I escape stress and worries through the use of TikTok. 127 102 87 37 11 364 3.79 Accepted 75% 635 402 261 74 11 1,383 % 35 28 24 10 3 100 Results from table 5 demonstrate strong emotional gratifications, such as peace of mind, happiness, relaxation, and stress relief. All indicators scored high (between 3.68 and 3.79), showing that TikTok fulfils emotional and psychological needs among students. Hypothesis Ho1: There is no relationship between the use of TikTok and emotional satisfaction of tertiary student users in Abia State. Table Six: Correlation of TikTok use (X) and Emotional satisfaction (Y). Ratings X X Y XY SA 5 127 149 16,126 22,201 18,923 A 4 106 73 11,236 5,329 7,738 FA 3 80 62 6,400 3,844 4,800 D 2 33 58 1,089 3,364 1,914 SD 1 18 22 324 484 396 Total, Ʃ N=5 364 364 35,175 35,222 33,771 Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18014161 388 √[ ( ) ][ ( ) ] ( ) ( ) √ ) ( ) ( ) ( ) √ √ r = 0.83 The hypothesis examined the relationship between the use of Tiktok and emmotional satisfaction of tertiary student users in Abia State. A very strong positive correlation was found (r = 0.83), indicating that the use of Tiktok is not associated with emtional satisafaction of tertiary student users in Abia State. DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS The findings of the study are in this section discussed in line with the research questions, in relation to the reviewed literature, and in consideration of the bearing s of the postulations of the theoretical framework. Research Question 1: To what extent do tertiary students in Abia State use Tikok The result from the analysis in Table 1 revealed that tertiary students in Abia State to a high extent use TikTok. Findings from the table showed the different indices of the extent of TikTok use by undergraduate users in Abia State. In this vein, tertiary student users in abia state; frequently use TikTok (76%), made use of enhancement devices to create contents for TikTok (76%) and easily operate the features of TikTok (79%). From the foregoing, it was evident that the tertiary student users of TikTok in Abia State made use of TikTok at a significant rate of 77%. The above result led the researcher to answer the first research question accordingly: Tertiary student users of TikTok in Abia State to a great extent use TikTok and can easily operate the features of TikTok. This finding supports the assertion of Katz et al (1973) that users are active in their media choices and use. This is evident from the response of the respondents where it was revealed that 76% use TikTok frequently. The findings on respondents being able to make use of enhancement devices to create contents on TikTok also corroborated with Choi & Lee (2015); Kim et al (2020) and Pang, (2021) in their assertions that innovative technologies offer users multiple opportunities to encounter heterogeneous individuals, exposure to distinct information, as well as share diverse viewpoints with others in contemporary mobile-mediated environment. That is why the tertiary student users can easily operate the different features of TikTok. In that effect, this findings also relates with the opinion made by Chen & Lee (2013) and Gan ( 2017) that mobile SNS technical functions such as information shared with others via retweeting, forwarding, commenting, and liking would lead to more interactivity among different individuals. Research Question 2: What are the factors that motivate tertiary students in Abia State to use TikTok? According to the analysis carried out in the indices in table 2, it was revealed that certain factors motivate tertiary students in Abia State to use TikTok. The findings from the first index revealed that the respondents were motivated to use TikTok because TikTok enhances their content creation ability at the rate of 75%. It was evident from the second index that TikTok motivated the respondents by providing entertainment for them at a high rate of 82%. It was also found as revealed in the third index that there was also financial motivation as there was 73% level of assertion that respondents are motivated because they hope to make money through their TikTok posts. Hence it becomes imperative to state that these factors motivate the use of TikTok by tertiary students in Abia State at a significant rate of 77%. Based on the findings of the result above, the researcher answers the research question as follows: tertiary students in Abia State are to a high extent motivated to use TikTok by the following factors; i. TikTok enhances their content creation ability ii. TikTok provides entertainment for them iii. They hope to make money through their TikTok posts. This findings agrees with Whiting and Williams (2013) on his report on the ten uses and gratifications for social media, which includes social interaction, information seeking, passing the time, entertainment (for humor, jokes, listening to music) and expressing one’s opinion, which they describe by people liking posts or being able to anonymously criticize others and vent. This also agrees with the assertion of Ham et al, (2014) that entertainment has the strongest impact on user’s attitude towards creating social media content, implying that people are motivated by a desire to have fun when creating content on social media. Also, extrinsic rewards, such as economic incentives, can also affect consumers’ motivations to create UGC (Poch & Martin, 2015). The finding also supports the Uses and Gratification Theory as it further demonstrates that Undergraduates in Abia State use TikTok for many reasons. Tertiary students in Abia State make use of TikTok for its ability to satisfy their various needs ranging from personal needs such as entertainment and ability to create contents and to social pursuits such as the hope to make money through their posts on TikTok platform. Research Question 3: : In what ways do tertiary student users in Abia State participate in TikTok? According to the analysis carried out on the indices in table 4.4, it was revealed that there were different ways the tertiary student users in Abia state participated in TikTok. The findings from the first index revealed that the respondents participated in TikTok by posting contents on TikTok at 74% rate. It was evident from the second index that they participated by receiving posts made by others on TikTok at a rate of 67%. It was also found as revealed in the third index that the respondents participated in TikTok by commenting, liking, reacting and sharing TikTok posts at 77% rate. Therefore, it becomes imperative to state that tertiary student users Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18014161 389 of TikTok in Abia State have various ways of participating in TikTok at a significant rate of 73%. Based on the findings of the result above, the researcher answers the research question as follows: tertiary student in Abia State participate in TikTok through the following ways; i. Posting contents in TikTok. ii. Participate through the receiving of posts by others on TikTok. iii. By commenting, liking, reacting and sharing TikTok posts. The finding agrees with the findings of Muntinga et al. (2011) that users are motivated to participate to create content by a need to express themselves as well as interaction with other TikTok users. This they do through the receival of posts made by others and by liking, commenting and generally reacting on TikTok posts. The respondents can be said to be actively participating in TikTok based on their significant rate of participation. This is because according to Noyer (2020), an active use of social media platforms such as TikTok would describe a high engagement toward the platform including commenting and uploading videos. Passive usage would reflect in browsing and simply consuming videos. This findings is also in line with the assertions of the Uses and Gratification theory that media users are active and not passive. They actively participate and select media contents that suit their particular needs that is why tertiary student users of TikTok in Abia State can select TikTok posts they participate in through their comments, liking, sharing and reactions on TikTok posts. They are also actively participate when it comes to selecting the posts they receive from other TikTok users. Research Question 4 : To what extent do tertiary student users in Abia State feel satisfied by participating in TikTok? The result from the analysis in Table 4 revealed that tertiary students in Abia State to a high extent feels satisfied from participating in TikTok. The findings from the first index revealed that the respondents have a feeling of acceptance when their posts receive positive comments, likes and shares as there was 62% level of satisfied feeling. It was also revealed in the second index on a 70% level that the respondents feel satisfied with their creative abilities which makes them believe more in themselves. Further findings of the analysis revealed in the third index on a level of 71% that the respondents felt emotionally connected to their followers. Hence it becomes necessary to state that tertiary student users in Abia State feel satisfied from participating in TikTok at a significant level rate of 68%. Based on the findings of the result above, this led the researcher to answers the research question as follows: tertiary student users in Abia State to a great extent feel satisfied from participating in TikTok this is because they; i. Feel accepted by others when their posts receive positive comments, likes and shares. ii. Feel satisfied with their creative abilities which makes them believe more in themselves. iii. Feel emotionally connected to their followers. This findings is corroborates with the findings of Choi & Sung (2018) when they stated that people use Instagram to present an ideal version of themselves. This is true because it has been revealed that people feel satisfied from participation in TikTok because it makes them believe more in themselves. Also, according to the findings of Constantine et al. (2004), scholars have long recognised that network characteristics such as TikTok could play significant roles in increasing social capital. It would also be related to people’s psychological well-being and physical health. The main assumption is that access to heterogeneous and differential views on social platforms such as TikTok can improve one’s mental state, and actively engaging in communication with others who have diverse thoughts is necessary to comprehend and begin to appreciate opinions of others. As it has been proven that people tend to have this feeling of acceptance when they receive positive comments, likes and shares on their posts from other users. This finding can be grouped under the findings of Ham et al (2014) report on the five different motivations that cause consumers to create content on social media platforms such as TikTok and they are: (i) Social cognition, (ii.) Entertainment, (iii.) Self-expression, (iv.) Social-belonging, and (x). Communication. This supports the studies of Lenhart et al. (2015) on teenage use of social media where they argued that teens use social media to express emotional support and affection for those they care about and to feel more connected with friends. RQ 5: To what extent do tertiary student users in Abia State derive emotional satisfaction from participating in TikTok? The result from the analysis of table 4.6 revealed that tertiary student users in Abia State derive emotional satisfaction from participating in TikTok. According to the analysis of the indices carried out in table 4.6, the level of emotional satisfaction from participating in TikTok was revealed. The findings from the first index revealed that TikTok use to a great extent offers the respondents peace of mind and comfort at 74% level rate. It was evident from the second index that respondents to a high extent were happy with their TikTok posts and the posts of other TikTok users at an accepted rate of 73%. Finally, it was revealed at a 75% level of satisfaction in the third index that they were highly contented with themselves as they use TikTok as an escape route from stress and worries. Therefore, it becomes imperative to state that tertiary student users in Abia State derive emotional satisfaction from participating in TikTok at an acceptable rate of 74.6%. Thus the researcher answers this research question by stating that: tertiary student users in Abia State derive emotional satisfaction from participating in TikTok. This is because the use of TikTok does the following for them; i. Offers them peace of mind and comfort. ii. They are always happy with their TikTok posts and the posts of other TikTok users. iii. They are contented with themselves as they escape stress and worries through the use of TikTok. The findings agreed with the findings of Bartsch, A. & Viehoff, R. (2010) in their study that emotions can be gratifying on different levels ranging from simple hedonistic gratifications to more complex gratifications such as the satisfaction of social and cognitive needs. The desire to experience emotions is widely considered to be key motivation for the use of entertainment media Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18014161 390 such as TikTok. Hence the revelation of the findings that people are always happy with their TikTok posts as well as the posts of other TikTok users satisfies the emotions of social and cognitive needs. Thus this aligns with the assertion that there are two potential channels via which social media can influence people’s life and well-being, namely the information-source channel and the communication channel (Bao, Liang & Riyanto, 2019). In relation to the Uses and Gratification theory, Katz et al. (1973) stated that media users are self-aware of their motivations. This is true because the respondents stated that one of the emotional satisfactions they derived from participating in TikTok is the peace of mind and comfort it offers them. According to Katz & Foulkes (1962), UGT also provides early motivations and uses such as escapism. This is agreeable because from the findings of the analysis, the respondents stated that they escape from stress and worries through the use of TikTok. CONCLUSION This study investigated the influence of TikTok on the emotional satisfaction of tertiary student users in Abia State. The findings showed that TikTok is integral to students’ social and emotional lives, offering relaxation, creative self-expression, and connection. There is a statistically significant positive relationship between TikTok use and emotional satisfaction (r = 0.83). When used purposefully, TikTok can support emotional wellbeing; however, excessive use may negatively affect academic productivity. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. 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