INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF TIKTOK ON INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY IN NIGERIA.

Social media has become an integral part of youth culture, shaping communication patterns, identity, and interpersonal relationships. TikTok, particularly, has rapidly gained prominence for its short-form video content and interactive features. But this platform is raising concerns about impact on young people’s social lives and academic priorities, attracting research attention. This study investigated the extent, patterns, and relational implications of TikTok usage among undergraduates in private universities in Nigeria, with a view to examining time spent on the platform, the nature of activities engaged in, and the perceived influence on interpersonal relationships. Descriptive design was employed. The research was anchored on Social Cognitive Theory by Albert Bandura and Uses and Gratification Theory by Elihu Kats, which provide insights into user motivations and behavioral modeling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires which was distributed to 316 purposively selected undergraduates of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, and focus group discussions There was high level of TikTok engagement, which was consistent with global trends. There were mixed relational outcomes; while TikTok fostered shared experiences and online social bonding, it contributed to reduced face-to-face communication. The findings reflect broader patterns observed in social media research highlighting the unique cultural and institutional context of private universities in Nigeria. Responsible social media engagement requires balance; universities should promote digital literacy and offline social interaction through capacity-building workshops and community-based events.