Adoption of TikTok as a Learning Tool in Physical Education: Evidence from the Philippines

A new study from researchers in the Philippines, led by Vanessa B. Sibug, examines how TikTok can serve as a learning tool for physical education (PE) among tertiary students. Published on arXiv as arXiv:2604.25049, the study surveyed 1,075 regular TikTok users (average age 19, mostly female) and applied the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Uses and Gratification Theory (UGT) to assess factors like Information Seeking, Social Interaction, Entertainment, Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), and Intention to Use (IU). Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the analysis revealed that PU and PEOU were the strongest predictors of intention to use TikTok for PE-related content. The findings suggest TikTok provides an engaging and accessible medium that supports active learning and participation in PE, offering empirical evidence from a developing country context.

The study contributes to the growing academic discussion on short-form video platforms in education, specifically in physical education where visual demonstrations are crucial. With 10 pages, 2 figures, and 3 tables, the paper was presented at the 2026 International Conference on Cognitive Systems and Computer Interaction (ICoSCI 2026) and published in IEEE proceedings. The researchers highlight that TikTok's algorithm and short video format can effectively deliver PE content, making exercise and sports instruction more accessible to students who might not engage with traditional methods. This is particularly relevant in the Philippines, where mobile internet penetration is high. The study's implications extend to educators and policymakers looking to integrate social media tools into curricula, though it notes the need for further research on long-term learning outcomes and potential distractions.