Social media is a key part in most people’s lives in this day and age. It has had a large impact on social “norms” and what the latest trends are. One app especially, Tiktok, has been taking the world by storm, influencing millions across the globe. But with the effect TikTok has on the public, many people are asking the same question: Is TikTok a positive or negative force in people’s lives?
Social media in general can provide great entertainment and pleasure amongst its users. However, TikTok in particular supplies endless 60-second videos full of comedy, fashion, dances, and more. These short, enjoyable videos draw users in with the unpredictability of what content will pop up after each swipe. The platform also contains many videos about easy hacks and tricks for everyday life. People who view these videos can learn something new and exciting, which can be applied to everyday life. These shared hacks usually have a positive impact on most people’s lives, making it that much easier to get through daily tasks. Influencing people’s creativity is a giant plus for TikTok as well. Many people who use the app gain inspiration or insight on what outfits to wear, songs to listen to, or art to create. Users tend to pick up fun, interesting hobbies from the app as well, especially if the activity is trending or viewed as exciting. A common hobby, or job for some, that has grown in popularity since TikTok started being used by the public more is being an influencer, especially in the fashion or makeup field. This popular pursuit allows those who are involved in it to experiment and branch out into different certain styles of fashion or makeup, letting these people express themselves in a creative manner. Viewers of these creators then can be encouraged to try different styles as well, empowering them to be artistic and original while creating their own personal look. TikTok is definitely worthwhile if you like entertainment, to learn, and uniqueness. Its infinite videos allow you and its millions of users to be exposed to different cultures, ideas, and ways of life, something that can be useful to learn for the future.
On the contrary, TikTok is not everyone’s ideal social media platform. Some people argue that TikTok actually causes more issues than it solves. For one, some consider the app to be a major distraction. With its entertainment factor high, people, especially teens, have trouble focusing more on their work or getting it done without indulging in the urge to scroll on TikTok. A small five minute break from doing their work can turn into an hour in what feels like just a couple of minutes of scrolling. Many users find it hard to escape the black hole of videos that TikTok sucks you into, especially with the fact that the content of the next video is a complete mystery, making it tempting to scroll again. This is usually the main issue of the app, as something that could’ve taken around an hour to complete most likely took way longer, due to the frequent breaks for scrolling. To add on to this, studies have shown that TikTok also may be contributing to shortened attention spans. With only short videos to offer and shorter videos being a swipe away, many people tend to have trouble sitting through anything longer than a couple of minutes without getting bored or going on their phones. Additionally, a big problem with TikTok is the amount of misinformation spread on the app. Rumors, bad advice, and false accusations are often found on this social media platform. The people mentioned in the lies usually suffer, especially when they have to clear them up. The misinformation also divides people over the platform and causes them to take sides on a matter that might only be half-true. While TikTok does have some good information for people to know about out there, it is good to be skeptical about what you hear on the app, and a good habit to fact check everything on there before coming to conclusions on something.
The TikTok app has its fair share of pros and cons. On the other hand though, TikTok is not the only app like this. Other social media platforms have the same perks and issues as well. However, TikTok usually has the most influence on today’s society, so the content on there can do the most good or bad. So with this information, do you believe TikTok is positive or poisonous?