SOUNDOFF: I <3 TikTok vs I H8 TikTok
Is TikTok worth it? Opinion sound off with special guest and one of my closest friends, Ruby McMahon
TikTok: the widely used and exceptionally popular app taken over by trendy teens and quirky adults displaying everything from funny dances, “day in my life” videos, tips for college/school, recipes, and so much more. TikTok can be seen as a net positive to connect with people across the world, yet with that it can also be seen as an “energy-draining” negative when it comes to body image issues, unrealistic expectations, addiction, and overwhelming stimulation. My friend Ruby and I debate our take on the popular social media app, TikTok.
I <3 TikTok — Eve Slemp
I heart TikTok.
At first I was extremely opposed to it back in 2016, but after being convinced by my friends to download it, I fell into the never-ending hole of TikTok “vines.”
Yes, hours can be wasted on this app without a notice, yet TikTok has proven to be extremely beneficial in certain areas.
No, those Charlie D’Amelio dances are not on my list. But what is on my list is what I’ve taken away from TikTok: the tips I’ve received on how to get into college, how to study for the SAT, gym routines, healthy eating habits, a look into what life is like as a “corporate girly” (which excites my inner business major), song and book recommendations, breaking news, and how to live with a positive mindset.
TikTok allows for an insider view of our world.
Before social media and technology, a teenager in America would have absolutely no clue what a teenager is up to in, let’s say South Africa…but now we do.
This sense of worldwide communication and connection allows us to see different perspectives and lives we never knew existed, creating a more nuanced look on the world.
I’ve gained an understanding of what I’d like my life to look like based off of inspiration from others. I understand that people post on social media only what they want people to see, but it creates a motivation to obtain that lifestyle that they so graciously romanticize.
Though, TikTok does come with some negatives, such as “trigger warning” content which can be harmful to the teen mind. As the platform is centered around teens, I have found myself engulfed in videos about eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and overall unhealthy habits which add unnecessary stress and concerns.
But despite this, TikTok brings awareness to people about problems in our world, such as the struggles of teen mental health.
TikTok does use an “algorithm” to display content they believe you would enjoy, therefore, that “For You Page” is really for you!
By seeing different perspectives of teens around the world, seeing accomplishments of others, and looking into a “day in the life” of other people, it gives me that motivation to work hard to reach my goals.
I H8 TikTok — Ruby McMahon
I downloaded TikTok in the summer of 2019. It was an immediate mistake.
I made the download after weeks of my sister’s constant insisting that the content was funny, or a way to unwind before bed. After her belaboring the idea for long enough, I finally got the app and instantly found myself addicted to the endless scroll the app has to offer.
Since being a TikTok user of two years to now being what I like to consider 10 months “sober,” I have come to form many negative opinions of the app, and here they are:
1. Distraction. It is no secret that TikTok’s algorithm is incredible at constantly learning what you are enjoying to better predict what on your feed will entertain you next. Now, I don’t want to give off the impression that I have a fear of the FBI on my phone, but to me, the rabbit hole of videos became all-consuming once the algorithm knew me better than I knew myself. When I should have been doing work, I would pull out my phone. I devoted two or three hours to scrolling on nights that I should have been hanging out - yes, with real, human beings - and having fun. While the videos offered a quick answer to boredom, they only made me feel worse in the long run.
2. Unhealthy expectations. A positive side TikTok possessed was the creativity and entertainment that talented creators put into their work. I loved certain influencers for their different niches -like comedy or fashion creators- and pulled inspiration from them where I could. Yet, these positives inevitably came with their negatives. I noticed feeling like I, too, had to be just as creative or have the amount of fun that the people being presented in five or 10 second clips were having. Ultimately, those clips aren’t always an accurate representation of what is going on in people’s lives, so I don’t want to compare myself to those experiences.
3. Unmotivating. My relationship with TikTok was always a negative one. When I just wanted a brain escape, I could easily drain two hours of my day, and the scariest part, I could not remember anything that I had watched during that time. Putting down my phone afterwards, I would typically feel worse than I did to begin with. I particularly remember feeling unmotivated and attached to my phone constantly because of the short, addictive videos I consumed.
At the end of the day, the choice is down to preference. I won’t sit here and tell you that TikTok is evil and taking over your lives. In fact, for those that love TikTok, I applaud you and encourage you to keep doing so. But to the people who are like me and only keep TikTok just because their friends have it or that it’s popular, I highly recommend deleting the app. Yes, right now. Maybe, like me, you’ll see positive change in your life, making it more productive, healthy, and fulfilling.