No, tectonic plates do not all move in the same direction. In fact, they move in various directions, and their movement is a complex interplay of forces.

Here's why:

* Convection currents in the mantle: The Earth's mantle is constantly moving due to heat from the core. This movement creates convection currents that drag the tectonic plates along with them.

* Plate boundaries: The interaction between plates at their boundaries determines their movement.

* Divergent boundaries: Plates move apart (like at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge) creating new crust.

* Convergent boundaries: Plates collide, one often subducting under the other (like the Andes Mountains).

* Transform boundaries: Plates slide past each other (like the San Andreas Fault).

Think of it like a giant puzzle: Each plate piece is moving in its own way, bumping into, pulling apart, or sliding past its neighbors.

Key takeaway: The movement of tectonic plates is dynamic and complex, not a single, uniform direction.