Tiktok is an addicting app. Even more so than Instagram, Snapchat, Youtube or any other social media platform currently on the market. This app, which originated in China, is used for video sharing and can be utilized to create short music, lip-sync, dance, comedy and talent videos of 3 to 15 seconds or short looping videos of 3 to 60 seconds.
Creators on Tiktok can even get paid for their videos and some have even managed to befriend A-list celebrities as well as get sponsorships from huge brands.It seems like nowadays, teenagers who use Tiktok can be found anywhere trying to get that next viral video. I remember just a few days ago going on a bike ride around the city and being able to count numerous groups of people setting down their phone to dance to the latest trend.
This brings me to my first point I want to make about the app, which is what I am most familiar with: the humor. I think my prolonged exposure to the app has honestly transformed my humor and the kinds of things I usually laugh at. The whole app kind of seems like a big inside joke, with certain phrases or situations being repeated by my friends and I until we sound like absolute lunatics in public.
Since Tiktok groups people based on their interests such as music, politics or movies, there’s a sense of belonging that is achieved. Suddenly there being a “For you” page makes every video that pops up seem scarily accurate and almost like it can hear your everyday conversations. This is great for when you want to learn about new methods for cooking or creating or if you want some inspiration for clothing. A lot of body positivity can also be found on Tiktok, with numerous plus size creators and people of all different skin colors obtaining fame.
The downsides of Tiktok are, unfortunately, also quite visible. There are of course people who are willing to tear down people’s happiness just for the sake of it, and there are alot of these people on this app. Very hurtful and negative things can be commented on people’s videos, with the user hiding behind a profile. Insecurities can start to arise once creators start talking about certain features that they hate, and rating people based entirely on looks are also quite common.
Disagreements can very easily get ugly, especially for younger audiences who are unaware that people may have different opinions than them. Backhanded compliments are often also seen with people saying “I love the confidence that you have, I could never” very frequently on a person who might just way a little more than others. Creators are often shamed for miniscule things, and there can even be predatory behavior exhibited by bad people who wish to take advantage of their younger audience.
Overall, while Tiktok may be fun to use once in a while to catch up on the latest trends and funny videos, one should tread lightly if they don’t want to be thrown into all the negatives that every social media app will eventually have.
