Thoughts on TikTok

TikTok has blown up in the last year, amassing millions of users on the app. Most of these users are teens, who have made some pretty creative content, others...not so much.

I personally do not have TikTok, but I would be lying if I said I don't stay up til ungodly hours of the night watching TikTok compilations on YouTube. I truly can't get enough of the content. Back in my day, we had Vine, a 6 sec. video looping app that consisted of mostly funny content. But with Vine gone (RIP Vine), TikTok has filled the void in our culture for everyday people to make content to share.

Many of the videos are similar to Vine, in fact there are compilations on YouTube titled "TikToks that radiate Vine energy" which is the content we want. These videos put a smile on my face, and some actually make me cry from laughing!

The only thing that makes me uncomfortable with TikTok is the rise of clout culture among these kids who are only in high school. I'm not sure if it's a good thing for these teens to be sharing so much of their lives online. Some of the videos are funny, but rather taboo for a 17 year old to be saying on a public platform. Then again, we've all made posts that we regret, or find cringey in the future. Over the past summer, it seemed most of these TikTok users were bored at home and began making videos, this led to them gaining thousands of followers. Through many of the TikTok's I've seen, it is clear that to some, this app is supposed to make them TikTok famous, or blow up. This is ironic to me, because the ones that have done just this, are the ones doing for fun, it doesn't seem like they made videos for the purpose to become famous or gain a career in entertainment.

Of course there are exceptions to this, many people have gained a following and started to launch a career. The E-boys of TikTok certainly made waves during their "Lights Out Tour" which was essentially a meet and greet for thirsty teen girls to scream at them doing that eye-roll thing they do. Another popular user is obviously Belle Delphine, who was selling her bath water-honestly, tell me you wouldn't if you could...? Good for her, make that money!

I think TikTok is an incredible app, it allows users to be innovative and create content that makes people chuckle or blush. Whether it is from a dance, a witty joke, or a cringey furry post, I hope TikTok is here to stay. I may even download the app one day.